Parkinson’s disease, the most prevalent hypokinetic movement disorder, is expected to occur with increasing frequency among aging populations worldwide. While we await the discovery of a cure, combining physical interventions with traditional medical interventions can significantly improve overall quality of life. Health Professionals’ Guide to Physical Management of Parkinson’s Disease fills a void in this area of clinical management by comprehensively addressing the physical management of Parkinson’s disease in a single volume.
Written for clinicians, Health Professionals’ Guide to Physical Management of Parkinson’s Disease will prove to be a useful resource for physical therapists as well as other health care professionals who manage patients with Parkinson’s disease. The text expertly distills and blends diverse research-based sources with the author’s own extensive clinical experience. The result is a concise manual that provides not just the science but also the clinical application necessary in the selection of physical interventions.
Part I. General Issues
Chapter 1. Introduction to Parkinson’s Disease and Its Physical Management
Distinguishing Features of Idiopathic Parkinson’s Disease and Secondary Parkinsonism
Guidelines for Physical Management
Chapter 2. Medical and Surgical Interventions
Medications
Challenges of Parkinson’s Disease
Deep Brain Stimulation
Chapter 3. Exercise and Rehabilitation Considerations
Flexibility
Resistance Training
Cardiorespiratory Endurance
Lifelong Self-Maintenance
Chapter 4. Equipping Caregivers
Caregiver Burden and Educational Needs
Resources for Caregivers
Part II. Dyskinesia
Chapter 5. Postural Variations and Dystonia
Camptocormic Posture
Drop-Head Posture
Ankle and Foot Dystonia in PD
Chapter 6. Tremors
Essential and Resting Tremors
Physical Management of Tremors
Part III. Balance
Chapter 7. Postural Instability
Definitions
Postural Control Strategies
Evaluation of Postural Stability
Interventions for Postural Instability
Stepping Strategy
Chapter 8. Balance Evaluation
Parkinson’s Disease Fall Risk Factors
Balance Evaluation and Treatment
Part IV. Transfers
Chapter 9. Chair Transfers
Activity Analysis
Chair Transfer Kinematic Patterns
Evaluation of Chair Transfers
Therapeutic Interventions
Chapter 10. Bed Mobility
Bed Mobility Assessment
Therapeutic Interventions
Chapter 11. Floor Transfers
Successful Floor Transfers
What to Do After a Fall
Part V. Gait
Chapter 12. Gait Deviations and Instability
Interventions for Gait Deviations
Examination of and Interventions for Gait Instability
Gait Velocity
Chapter 13. Compensatory Strategies for Gait Interventions
Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation (RAS)
Attention Strategies
Visual Cues
Chapter 14. Freezing
General Issues in Freezing
Evaluating Freezing
Freezing Interventions
Chapter 15. Turning While Ambulating
Factors Contributing to Turning Instability
Evaluating Turns
Interventions to Improve Turns
Chapter 16. Walkers, Canes, and Footwear
Matching Walkers to Patients
Canes
Footwear
Miriam P. Boelen, PT, has been a licensed physical therapist since 1978 and currently is senior staff physical therapist at NorthShore University HealthSystem/Glenbrook Hospital in Glenview, Illinois. As a movement disorder specialist since 1990, she has worked with patients in all stages of Parkinson's disease and those with implanted deep brain stimulators. Boelen has lectured extensively on issues related to the physical management of Parkinson's disease, including exercise, walking aids, caregiver instruction, and education. She has also taught patients how to regain a sense of control over their physical capabilities while clearing up misconceptions and allowing for renewed hope.