PD-turning in bed (D12)

AIM:

To improve turning in bed using cognitive cues.

Rationale:

Akinesia and hypokinesia while turning in bed is overcome by the use of cognitive cues. The task is broken down into separate steps, each separately cued.
Note: some patients will be unable to turn in bed without the use of aids (e.g., sheets with a satin inlay at hip level or a bar to pull on) and/or the assistance of a carer.

Equipment:

  • Bed
  • Pillow

Key Points:

  • Therapist uses short verbal cues, followed by the patient self-cueing
  • Ensure therapist is positioned to prevent the patient falling off the bed. (The narrow bed used in the video-clip is for demonstration purposes only. In clinical practice, the patient would be positioned on a wider bed for safety)

Common Errors:

  • Patient wriggles on back rather than concentrating on each step.

Progression and Variety:

  • Add bed clothes
  • Practice when L-Dopa medication levels are low
  • Practice in low light conditions