What is the purpose of using "drive" as a teaching technique in LSVT BIG?

Using "drive" as a teaching technique in LSVT BIG serves to increase motor output against bradykinesia and hypokinesia, which are common motor symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease. The concept of "drive" focuses on enhancing the force and amplitude of movements, ensuring that patients are actively engaged and producing robust, purposeful actions. This is essential for addressing the reduced movement speed and amplitude that many individuals with Parkinson's experience.

By encouraging higher levels of effort during movement, clinicians can help patients counteract the effects of their condition, fostering better motor performance. This approach enables patients to practice bigger movements with a mental command to "drive" their actions, which is vital for facilitating neuroplastic change and promoting a more effective and functional level of movement. Thus, utilizing "drive" directly targets and aims to mitigate challenges posed by the characteristic symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.