ISCA Archive ICSLP 2002
ISCA Archive ICSLP 2002

Swallowing and voice effects of lee silverman voice treatment (LSVT)

Jeri Logemann, Ralph Sundin, Jean Sundin

In addition to voice and articulatory disorders, swallowing disorders have been reported in as many as 95% of individuals with Parkinson’s Disease (PD). This paper addresses the effects of intensive voice treatment (Lee Silverman Voice Treatment, LSVT) on swallowing and voice changes. After LSVT there was an overall 51% reduction in the number of swallowing motility disorders. Voice changes included a significant increase in vocal intensity during sustained phonation and reading. The LSVT seemingly improved neuromuscular control of the entire upper aerodigestive tract, improving oral tongue and tongue base function during the oral and pharyngeal phases of swallowing. The underlying mechanisms associated with these changes will be discussed.