Exercise and Drug Interactions

Presented by Kenneth L. Miller

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Video Runtime: 69 Minutes, Learning Assessments: 35 Minutes

The To Err is Human report on medical errors sheds light on the need for greater attention to medications and their effects on physical and mental functioning over the past 20 years. There is a greater understanding of drug–drug interactions and potentially inappropriate prescribing/administration of medications. This course is an intermediate-level course for physical therapists and occupational therapists. Clinicians completing this course will develop an understanding of the effects of lifestyle (sedentary vs. active) on physiology, how physiological changes impact the body’s ability to metabolize medications, and how to incorporate this knowledge into exercise prescription and patient education. The learner will receive concrete strategies and resources to help improve patient safety related to exercise–drug interactions.

Meet your instructor

Kenneth L. Miller

Dr. Kenneth Miller has been an educator, physical therapist, and consultant for the home health industry for more than 20 years and serves as a guest lecturer, adjunct teaching assistant, and adjunct professor in the DPT program at Touro College in Bay Shore, New York. He has presented at the Combined Sections Meeting of the…

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Chapters & learning objectives

Essentials of Resting and Exercise Physiology

1. Essentials of Resting and Exercise Physiology

This chapter will discuss the essentials of resting and exercise physiology. Students will understand the energy systems of the body and related changes that occur with exercise in the cardiovascular/pulmonary system in order to meet oxygen demands necessary to function.

Changing Pharmacokinetics: Potential Exercise and Drug Interactions/Response

2. Changing Pharmacokinetics: Potential Exercise and Drug Interactions/Response

This chapter will discuss pharmacokinetics at rest and the potential changes that exercise may have on absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of medications. Reduced blood flow to the liver and kidney have the potential of altering a drug’s efficacy. Drugs of particular interest are the antidiabetic agents that may cause hypoglycemia due to their potential for adverse events.

Creating Appropriate Care Plans

3. Creating Appropriate Care Plans

This chapter will discuss appropriate exercise prescribing for specific drug considerations, exercise considerations, and health considerations. Specifically, potential changes that occur with anticoagulants, antihyperlipidemic agents, and antidiabetic agents are addressed to improve safe exercise.

Patient Monitoring and Education

4. Patient Monitoring and Education

This chapter will provide the clinician with signs and symptoms of exercise–drug interactions for clinician and patient/client monitoring. Specific techniques for patient education will be provided to help improve patient adherence and safety with exercise. The chapter concludes with a patient interaction incorporating use of teach-back during education of exercise–drug interactions.