A Primer in a Parkinson-Specific Occupational Therapy Program

Course overview

A deeper understanding of the neurophysiology of Parkinson disease has evolved which 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 non-motor symptoms of PD. The course will include research and OT treatment using LSVT BIG as an example.