A Primer in a Parkinson's-Specific Occupational Therapy Program
Presented by Erica Vitek
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Financial: Erica Vitek is an independent consultant and LSVT BIG® Training and Certification instructor for LSVT Global, from whom she received lecture honorarium. She is also an employee faculty at the Herman and Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute.
Non-Financial: Erica Vitek Vitek has a preference for the LSVT® protocols and treatment techniques which will be discussed as a part of this course.
Course Content Disclosure: LSVT Global Inc. has developed and patented a licensed technology trademarked as the LSVT-LOUD and LSVT-BIG treatment. Because there are no other like-kind products available, course offerings will only cover information that pertains to the effective and safe use of the above-named products. This presentation will focus exclusively on LSVT-LOUD and LSVT-BIG Treatment and will not include information on other similar or related products.
A deeper understanding of the neurophysiology of Parkinson's disease has evolved that calls for rehabilitation practitioners to provide targeted strategies in treatment planning and delivery. Restoring function with desired lasting results observable in everyday occupation is achievable. This course will highlight how the practice of occupational therapy (OT) has evolved because of evidence-based practice related to rehabilitation and exercise in Parkinson’s disease (PD). While OTs have always been leaders in teaching adaptive and compensatory strategies to facilitate independence and participation in occupations in daily life, current OT interventions utilizing the latest research go beyond compensation and target the primary motor and nonmotor symptoms of PD. The course will include research and OT treatment using LSVT BIG as an example.
Meet your instructor
Erica Vitek
Erica graduated with her master’s degree in occupational therapy from Concordia University Wisconsin in 2002. Erica works for Aurora Health Care at Aurora Sinai Medical Center in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She has attended extensive postgraduate rehabilitation education in the area of Parkinson's disease and exercise,…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. Historical Occupational Therapy (OT) Treatment Characteristics
With a growing prevalence of people living with Parkinson's disease (PD), the practice of OTs working in neuro-rehab should reflect current evidence on activity-dependent neuroplasticity and motor learning. Historical approaches to delivery of care have been focused on compensation due to late-stage referrals and lack of understanding of the importance of exercise and therapy as a means of primary symptom management. The integration of principles that drive activity-dependent neuroplasticity into clinical care is key for optimal results.
2. PD: More Than a Motor Disorder
There are many common motor and nonmotor symptoms associated with PD. Every person with PD has a unique presentation of symptoms, and it is important to be able to recognize how symptoms impact daily activity performance.
3. Paradigm Shifts in the Delivery of Occupational Therapy for People With PD
Engaging people in occupation-based tasks for goal achievement is the core of the AOTA Occupational Therapy Practice Framework. Integrating this core practice framework with neuroplasticity principles shifts our treatment paradigms for PD. LSVT BIG is one example of an evidence-based treatment that incorporates these paradigm shifts to improve function and occupational performance in people with PD.
4. Motivating Movement in People With PD
Using LSVT BIG as an example, OTs will discover the impact of an amplitude-based, PD-specific treatment protocol. A brief overview of the LSVT BIG framework will be described along with occupation-based task selection that individualizes the treatment plan for each person. Video examples will depict the changes that are commonly observed in occupational performance.
5. How OTs Can Address Complex Nonmotor Symptoms in People With PD: Part 1
Nonmotor symptoms of PD may disrupt quality of life more than motor symptoms. Cognitive deficits, depression, apathy, anxiety, visuospatial and somatosensory deficits, and sleep disorders are common nonmotor symptoms in Parkinson's disease. Being able to recognize impairments in these areas can help OTs shape individualized care for maximal treatment impact.
6. How OTs Can Address Complex Nonmotor Symptoms in People With PD: Part 2
Additional nonmotor deficits that may be present in people with PD include orthostatic hypotension, pain, and bladder, bowel, and sexual health dysfunction. Learn practical tips for management, and provide educational opportunities to enhance occupational participation and quality of life. Development of a list of referral resources will assist OTs beyond their scope to ensure following a holistic approach to caring for the person with PD.
More courses in this series
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Interprofessional Practice for Parkinson's: LSVT BIG and LSVT LOUD
Cynthia M. Fox, Laura Gusé, and Erica Vitek
Sensory Recalibration for Improving Speech in Parkinson’s Disease
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A Primer in a Parkinson's-Specific Occupational Therapy Program
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Childhood Motor Speech Disorders: Neuroplasticity and LSVT LOUD
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