Parkinson's Exercises at Home: Voice & Speech Practice Guide

Up to 90% of people with Parkinson's experience changes in their voice and speech. The good news: daily Parkinson's exercises at home can help maintain — and even improve — your ability to communicate clearly. Here's what works and how to build a sustainable practice routine.

Why Parkinson's affects speech

Parkinson's disease affects the basal ganglia — the brain region that helps automate movements. This includes the complex, coordinated movements needed for speech.

The result is hypokinetic dysarthria, characterized by:

• Reduced loudness (hypophonia): Your voice becomes quieter, though you may not notice it yourself
• Monotone speech: The natural pitch variation decreases
• Imprecise articulation: Consonants become mumbled or unclear
• Faster or variable rate: Speech may rush or become uneven
• Breathy voice quality: The voice sounds weak or effortful

The challenge: Parkinson's often affects your ability to perceive these changes. You might think you're speaking at a normal volume when others can barely hear you.

The importance of home practice

Speech therapy with a speech-language pathologist (SLP) is valuable, but sessions are typically weekly at most. Research consistently shows that daily practice produces the best outcomes for Parkinson's recovery and maintenance.

Daily Parkinson's exercises at home help in several ways:

• Reinforce what you learn in therapy
• Maintain gains between sessions
• Build new motor patterns through repetition
• Recalibrate your perception of loudness
• Build confidence for daily conversations

Core Parkinson's speech exercises

These exercises target the main speech challenges in Parkinson's. Do them daily for best results.

1. Loud sustained vowels

Purpose: Build vocal power and recalibrate loudness perception

How to do it:

1. Take a deep breath from your diaphragm
2. Say "Ahhh" at a strong, sustained volume for 10-15 seconds
3. The volume should feel "too loud" — it probably isn't
4. Repeat with "Eee" and "Ooo"
5. Do 5-10 repetitions total

Tip: Use Speech Check or a decibel meter to verify your volume objectively.

2. High-effort speech practice

Purpose: Strengthen the connection between effort and output

How to do it:

1. Choose a phrase you use often: "Good morning," "Hello, this is [name]," "Thank you"
2. Say it with exaggerated effort — push your voice out like you're projecting to someone across the room
3. It should feel like you're almost shouting (you're not)
4. Repeat 10 times, maintaining the same effort level

Why it works: Parkinson's creates a mismatch between effort and output. Practicing at high effort recalibrates this relationship.

3. Over-articulation drills

Purpose: Improve consonant clarity and precision

How to do it:

1. Say these phrases slowly, exaggerating every consonant:
2. "Peter Piper picked a peck" — feel your lips pop on each P
3. "Take time to talk today" — your tongue should tap the roof of your mouth firmly
4. "Keep calm and carry on" — exaggerate the K sounds
5. Start at half your normal speed, then gradually increase while maintaining clarity

4. Reading aloud

Purpose: Practice sustained loud, clear speech

How to do it:

1. Choose a passage from a book, newspaper, or article
2. Read aloud for 2-3 minutes at your target "loud" volume
3. Focus on maintaining consistent loudness throughout
4. Pause at natural phrase breaks — don't rush

5. Pitch variation practice

Purpose: Combat monotone speech

How to do it:

1. Say a sentence with exaggerated expression: "I can NOT believe it!" with emphasis on "NOT"
2. Practice questions with rising intonation: "Are you coming?" (voice rises at the end)
3. Practice statements with falling intonation: "I'll be there at three." (voice falls at the end)
4. Read a children's book aloud with animated expression

Sample daily routine

A practical 5-minute routine you can do each morning:

Consistency matters more than duration. Five minutes every day beats thirty minutes twice a week.

Parkinson's tools that help

Several tools can support your home practice:

Speech Check: Gives instant feedback on loudness and clarity — essential for recalibrating your perception. The 60-second check is quick enough to use before important calls. Calm Mode provides large buttons for those with tremor.

Decibel meter apps: Free apps on your phone can show your volume level. Aim for 70-75 dB at arm's length for conversational speech.

Voice recording: Record yourself and listen back. You'll hear what others hear, which helps recalibrate.

Mirror: Watch your mouth movements during articulation exercises. Visual feedback improves precision.

Metronome apps: Help establish a steady speaking rate if you tend to rush.

LSVT LOUD and other programs

LSVT LOUD is a clinically-proven intensive speech therapy program specifically for Parkinson's. It involves working with a certified SLP for 16 sessions over 4 weeks, plus daily home practice.

If you can access LSVT LOUD, it's highly recommended. The exercises in this article complement LSVT principles and can help maintain gains after completing the program.

Other approaches include:

• SPEAK OUT! — Another evidence-based program for Parkinson's speech
• Traditional articulation therapy — Targets specific sound production
• Respiratory strength training — Builds breath support for speech

Work with an SLP to determine which approach is right for you.

Making practice sustainable

The biggest challenge isn't knowing what to do — it's doing it consistently. Tips for building a lasting habit:

Same time every day: Attach practice to an existing routine. After breakfast. Before morning coffee cools. While waiting for the kettle.

Start small: Five minutes is enough. You can always add more later.

Track your practice: A simple calendar checkmark builds momentum. Seeing a streak of Xs motivates you to continue.

Practice with purpose: Before important calls or conversations, do a quick warm-up. When practice has immediate application, it feels more meaningful.

Get feedback: Use Speech Check, record yourself, or ask a family member. Knowing whether you're hitting your targets makes practice more effective.

What to expect

Parkinson's is progressive, but that doesn't mean speech decline is inevitable. With consistent practice:

• Many people maintain their speech function longer
• Some people improve, especially if starting practice early
• Daily fluctuations are normal — medication timing, fatigue, and stress all affect speech
• Progress may be gradual — track week-to-week, not day-to-day

The goal isn't perfection. It's maintaining the ability to communicate with the people who matter to you.

When to get professional help

Home exercises work best alongside professional guidance. See a speech-language pathologist if:

• You've noticed changes in your speech or voice
• Others frequently ask you to repeat yourself or speak up
• You're avoiding phone calls or social situations because of speech
• You want a structured program like LSVT LOUD

An SLP can assess your specific challenges and create a personalized treatment plan that complements your home practice.