LSVT BIG vs. Boxing: Community Engagement in PD

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic, progressive disease that can impair an individual’s ability to engage fully in community activities. This systematic review aimed to compare the effects of Lee Silverman Voice Treatment BIG (LSVT BIG) and non-contact boxing (NCB) on community engagement among individuals with PD. A comprehensive search was conducted across four academic databases—CINHAL, EBSCO Academic Complete, PubMed and the Cochrane Library. Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, this review assessed risk of bias and levels of evidence using established, industry-standard tools. Eligible studies were peer-reviewed, published between September 2019 and September 2024, focused on either LSVT BIG or NCB, and addressed factors related to community engagement. Thirteen articles met the inclusion criteria, categorized as Level IIb (n = 3), Level III (n = 1), Level IIIb (n = 6), and Level IV studies (n = 3). Current research demonstrates improvement with balance, endurance, and mobility, and non-motor outcomes like quality of life (QoL). Evidence indicates that LSVT BIG demonstrates significant improvements in motor symptoms, while NCB offers notable psychosocial benefits.