What is a characteristic of bradykinesia in the context of LSVT BIG?

Bradykinesia is defined as a slowness of movement and is one of the primary motor symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease. In the context of LSVT BIG, which is a therapy designed to improve movement and function in individuals with Parkinson's, recognizing and addressing bradykinesia is fundamental.

Characterizing bradykinesia by slower movement speeds aligns with the clinical observations made during assessments and treatment. Individuals exhibiting bradykinesia may struggle with initiating movements, have reduced amplitude of their movements, and experience difficulty with tasks that require quick or simultaneous actions. LSVT BIG incorporates strategies to increase movement amplitude and speed, which directly combat the effects of bradykinesia. Therefore, understanding that bradykinesia specifically leads to slower movement speeds is crucial for effectively implementing and adapting the LSVT BIG program for patients.