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Dec 3, 20243 min read

Strategies for Bed Mobility in Parkinson's Disease: Tips for Success🛏️💡✨


Copyright: @NeuroFit Networks, Inc. I Parkinson Wellness Recovery


Managing bed mobility can be challenging for individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) due to motor impairments and rigidity. However, implementing effective strategies can empower individuals to maintain independence and improve safety. This article highlights evidence-based techniques, practical adjustments, and exercises.


Key Strategies for Bed Mobility

  1. Occupational Therapy: Occupational therapists (OTs) play a critical role in addressing bed mobility challenges. OTs provide individualized strategies, train in safe techniques for transfers, and recommend devices to enhance independence and reduce caregiver burden [1,2].

  2. Assistive Devices

    • Bed Rails: Adjustable rails offer support for pulling into a sitting or lying position. Studies suggest that using assistive devices like bed rails reduces the risk of falls and increases confidence [3,4].

    • Trapeze Bars: These overhead bars provide leverage for movement, particularly during transfers [3,5].

  3. Bedding Adjustments

    • Friction-Reducing Sheets and Sleepwear: Satin or silk materials minimize resistance, making it easier to reposition and slide out of bed [6,7].

    • Lightweight Comforters: Reducing bedding weight can make adjusting blankets less physically demanding [6].

    • Positioning Pillows and Wedges: Strategically placed support cushions help maintain proper alignment and reduce strain during transitions [7].

    • Adjustable Beds: Research highlights the benefits of adjustable beds for improving positioning, alleviating discomfort, and easing transitions in and out of bed [4,7].

  4. Home Modifications

    • Grab Bars: Installing grab bars near the bed can enhance leverage and safety.

    • Clear Pathways: Ensuring clear spaces reduces tripping hazards, especially during nighttime mobility [8,9].


Exercise as a Foundation for Mobility

Regular exercise promotes strength, flexibility, and coordination, which are essential for bed mobility. A tailored home exercise program can include:

  • Core Strengthening: Building abdominal and back muscles enhances stability during transitions [1].

  • Coordination and Reaching: Repetitive, controlled movements improve motor sequencing.

  • Dual Tasking: Activities combining physical and cognitive tasks enhance adaptability.

  • PWR! Moves Supine Sequencing: This Parkinson’s-specific program is particularly effective for optimizing movement during bed transfers [10,11].


Practicing Motor Sequencing and Repetition

Repetition is essential for motor learning and re-education in Parkinson’s disease. Regularly practicing bed transfers and related tasks, like donning and doffing sheets, fosters the automaticity of movements. This reduces the cognitive load and improves overall efficiency [12,13].


Incorporating Advanced Techniques

For individuals with advanced mobility challenges, consider:

  • Motorized Assistive Devices: Bed lifts and other powered aids ease transitions [6].

  • Specialized Mattresses: Latex or memory foam mattresses provide support and pressure relief while aiding repositioning [7,13].


Conclusion

Implementing these strategies can transform bed mobility into a more manageable task for individuals with Parkinson's disease. Collaboration with healthcare professionals, regular practice, and the use of assistive devices ensure improved safety, independence, and quality of life.


Call or reach out to Neuroplastic Rehab LLC at 248-221-1145 if you need an OT to come to your home to help with bed mobility for your loved one.



References

  1. Mak, M. K., et al. (2017). Rehabilitation in Parkinson's disease. Parkinsonism & Related Disorders, 41, 3-13.

  2. Ellis, T., & Rochester, L. (2018). Mobilizing Parkinson’s disease: The future of exercise. Journal of Parkinson's Disease, 8(S1), S95–S100.

  3. Parkinson’s Foundation. (2022). Assistive devices for Parkinson's disease. Retrieved from parkinson.org.

  4. Tickle-Degnen, L., et al. (2017). Occupational therapy and Parkinson's: Evidence-based approaches. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 71(3).

  5. Dementia Care Central. (2022). Mobility aids for seniors. Retrieved from dementiacarecentral.com.

  6. Adams, J., & McMillan, S. (2020). Adaptive bedding for individuals with motor impairments. Rehabilitation Technology Journal, 19(2), 45-57.

  7. Mayo Clinic. (2023). Sleep and Parkinson's: Managing nighttime challenges. Retrieved from mayoclinic.org.

  8. National Institute on Aging. (2022). Home safety tips for older adults. Retrieved from nia.nih.gov.

  9. Smith, D. M., et al. (2021). Fall prevention strategies in neurodegenerative diseases. Neurology & Rehabilitation, 15(4), 300-309.

  10. Farley, B. G., & Koshland, G. F. (2005). Training BIG to move faster: PWR! program principles. Movement Disorders, 20(5), 650-655.

  11. Petzinger, G. M., et al. (2013). Exercise-enhanced neuroplasticity targeting motor and cognitive circuitry in Parkinson’s disease. The Lancet Neurology, 12(7), 716-726.

  12. Morris, M. E., et al. (2019). Repetition and motor learning in Parkinson’s disease. Physical Therapy, 99(1), 65-74.

  13. Veronese, N., et al. (2020). Assistive devices and Parkinson's disease: A systematic review. Ageing Research Reviews, 62, 101129.

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