The short- and long-term effectiveness of the LSVT for dysarthria following TBI and stroke

Objectives: To examine the effectiveness of Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT®) for the treatment of 10 individuals with dysarthria following TBI and stroke.

Research design: ABAA experimental research design.

Methods: Participants received 4 weeks of the standard LSVT® programme. To measure the effects of intervention, participants were assessed using perceptual and acoustic speech measures and everyday communication outcome measures prior to, immediately post and 6 months post-treatment.

Results: Following treatment, participants demonstrated statistically and clinically significant improvements to several acoustic and perceptual parameters. This included increased vocal loudness in sustained phonation and connected speech, increased vocal frequency range and improved word and sentence intelligibility. Improved ratings of communication initiation and participation and well-being were also found on the AusTOMs and items on participant questionnaires post-LSVT®. The majority of treatment effects were maintained 6 months following treatment.

Conclusions: LSVT® has the potential to be a viable treatment option for individuals with dysarthria featuring respiratory-phonatory impairments following TBI and stroke.