Parkinson's Drugs Physiotherapy Implications

Original Editor - Andrew Bennett Lee Price Top Contributors - Lucinda hampton, Lauren Lopez, Vidya Acharya, Kim Jackson, Andrew Bennett Lee Price and Lauren Greeson

Introduction

Exercise, increasingly considered to be a complementary strategy to Parkinson’s (PD) medications, is a major component of physiotherapy for Parkinson’s management. This less than 5 minute video outlines the importance of exercise in PD>

A pre-exercise subjective assessment should be undertaken to find if common side effects from the drugs may impact on treatment. The therapist needs to be be aware of possible side effects and monitor accordingly or/or adjust treatment. Adverse effects of each of these drug classes will require monitoring. A clear understanding of the general yellow flags to improper dosing is vital. These adverse effects result from the poly-pharmaceutical approach to PD management.  Being aware of them allows us to alter our plan of care and not compromise the patient’s safety. If left unaddressed, these adverse effects could substantially decrease our overall quality of care that we administer.

Taking Parkinson’s medication can cause side effects, including:

• Orthostatic hypotension (link provides physiotherapy strategies used to manage this condition).
• Psychosis (report to specialist and curtail treatment).
• Dyskinesias (monitor carefully as potential falls risk).
• Confusion/memory loss (instruct at appropriate level so they understand and follow commands).
• Psychological changes (report to a specialist)
• Sleepiness, fainting or dizziness (monitor, don't compromise the patients safety).

• Nausea
• Involuntary movements
• Behavioral problems, such as feeling an uncontrollable need to gamble, have sex or pursue hobbies.

Levodopa - On Off Times

Overtime as Parkinson’s progresses the levodopa dose will need to be adjusted. Many people will become more aware that symptoms sometimes return between doses of medication. This is called ‘wearing off’ and is a sign your dose needs to be adjusted.

Exercise is a critical part of treatment for Parkinson's and should be in done in the time slot that suits the clients "on" times. It may be appropriate for the client to keep a diary of symptoms. This may be helpful to track when symptoms occur so that your exercise sessions occur at the most effective timing.

The following drugs discussed will highlight the fundamental side effects of the prototypical drugs (an individual drug that represents a drug class ) used in the management of Parkinson’s disease and how this may impact physiotherapy.

Wearing Off

Physical therapy treatment should be administered during the peak effective time of each individual medication; or ideal treatment effects may be compromised due to a negative event known as End of Dose Dyskinesia. ie check the timing of physiotherapy sessions with the client so they will benefit maximally from there exercises. The video below outlines this phenomena

Conclusion

Exercise is essential in the management of Parkinsons. However, clients with Parkinsons are most likely taking medications that can possibly have an effect on their physical response and tolerance to exercise. Therefore physiotherapists need to be aware of potential side effects and then time, dose and monitor exercise accordingly. The above hopefully gives you guidance on the best way to monitor and administer your exercise sessions