Why do we utilize maximal daily exercises in LSVT BIG?

The use of maximal daily exercises in LSVT BIG is centered around the goal of facilitating increased amplitude of movement. Patients with conditions like Parkinson's disease often experience reduced movement amplitude, leading to difficulties in performing daily activities. By engaging in exercises that emphasize maximal effort, individuals are trained to produce larger movements, which can translate into improved functional mobility and better overall movement patterns.

Maximal daily exercises help reinforce the concept of "big" movements, encouraging patients to overcome any habitual, smaller movements they may have developed due to their condition. This approach not only enhances motor performance but also helps in retraining the brain's perception of movement size and the initiation of larger, more purposeful movements.

While strength improvement and cognitive functioning can be beneficial aspects of a comprehensive therapy program, the primary intention behind these specific exercises revolves around increasing movement amplitude, which is critical for achieving optimal outcomes in functional tasks and overall quality of life. The design of these exercises inherently prioritizes this goal over purely strength-based considerations or more limited exercise durations.