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Applied Sciences
Volume 16
Issue 1
10.3390/app16010484
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Article

Exploring the Potential of Lee Silverman Voice Treatment BIG for Improving Balance and Gait in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Pilot Study

by
Konstantinos Aloupis
,
Theofani Bania
,
Eftychia Trachani
,
Elias Tsepis
,
Antigoni Gotsopoulou
and
Sofia Lampropoulou
*
Physiotherapy Department, School of Health Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Patras, Rio, 26504 Patras, Greece
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(1), 484; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16010484
Submission received: 1 December 2025 / Revised: 29 December 2025 / Accepted: 31 December 2025 / Published: 3 January 2026
(This article belongs to the Section Applied Biosciences and Bioengineering)
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The study suggests that LSVT BIG, previously established for Parkinson’s Disease, may also improve balance and gait in patients with Multiple Sclerosis. Clinicians could consider incorporating LSVT BIG exercises into rehabilitation programs for MS, potentially enhancing mobility and reducing fall risk.

Abstract

Background: Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) BIG is a well-established exercise program in Parkinson’s Disease (PD), but its effectiveness in other neurological disorders is not well studied. This pilot study examined whether LSVT-BIG similarly improves balance and gait in MS patients compared to PD. Methods: A pilot clinical trial was conducted with two participant groups: MS and PD. Assessments were performed before, during, and after the 4-week LSVT BIG intervention, which followed the established PD protocol of one-hour sessions, four consecutive days per week. Balance and gait were evaluated using the mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (mini-BESTest), Timed Up and Go (TUG), and Functional Gait Assessment (FGA). Single-leg stance time on firm, foam, and inclined surfaces was also measured. Data analysis was carried out using mixed ANOVA in SPSS v24. Results: Twelve participants completed the study (6 PD, 6 MS). Both groups significantly improved in mini-BESTest, FGA scores, and timed tasks (p < 0.001). Comparable between-group results revealed, with no significant differences between MS and PD groups (p > 0.5). Conclusions: Similar improvements across groups suggest that LSVT BIG may also benefit patients with MS. Larger randomized trials are needed to confirm its suitability for this population.
Keywords: Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT BIG); rehabilitation; multiple sclerosis; Parkinson’s Disease; balance; gait Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT BIG); rehabilitation; multiple sclerosis; Parkinson’s Disease; balance; gait

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MDPI and ACS Style

Aloupis, K.; Bania, T.; Trachani, E.; Tsepis, E.; Gotsopoulou, A.; Lampropoulou, S. Exploring the Potential of Lee Silverman Voice Treatment BIG for Improving Balance and Gait in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Pilot Study. Appl. Sci. 2026, 16, 484. https://doi.org/10.3390/app16010484

AMA Style

Aloupis K, Bania T, Trachani E, Tsepis E, Gotsopoulou A, Lampropoulou S. Exploring the Potential of Lee Silverman Voice Treatment BIG for Improving Balance and Gait in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Pilot Study. Applied Sciences. 2026; 16(1):484. https://doi.org/10.3390/app16010484

Chicago/Turabian Style

Aloupis, Konstantinos, Theofani Bania, Eftychia Trachani, Elias Tsepis, Antigoni Gotsopoulou, and Sofia Lampropoulou. 2026. "Exploring the Potential of Lee Silverman Voice Treatment BIG for Improving Balance and Gait in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Pilot Study" Applied Sciences 16, no. 1: 484. https://doi.org/10.3390/app16010484

APA Style

Aloupis, K., Bania, T., Trachani, E., Tsepis, E., Gotsopoulou, A., & Lampropoulou, S. (2026). Exploring the Potential of Lee Silverman Voice Treatment BIG for Improving Balance and Gait in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Pilot Study. Applied Sciences, 16(1), 484. https://doi.org/10.3390/app16010484

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