Assistive Technology Notes: Parkinson’s Disease

Continuing to Farm with Parkinson’s Disease

The episodic and progressive nature of Parkinson’s Disease can greatly affect carrying out farm chores and activities of daily living. As Parkinson’s Disease progresses, patients may need to evaluate what they can realistically continue to do and what needs to be altered. Learning the most efficient methods to perform routine tasks is the first step in managing symptoms.

The symptoms of PD may result in decreased fine and gross motor skills, mobility, difficulty communicating, and lapses in memory. Increased fatigue, weakness, temperature sensitivity, depression and anxiety are also common issues. A combination of changing work responsibilities, a flexible schedule and simple adaptations to work areas or assistive technology products are methods to consider.

Changing work responsibilities and a flexible schedule may require the support of family or hired assistance. Exchanging work responsibilities with other family members can result in less labor intensive or time sensitive work activities. Having a flexible schedule which would allow for periodic rest periods may help with fatigue and anxiety and allow muscles to rest for subsequent work demands. The following paragraphs offer potential assistive technology solutions to meet individual needs.

Fine motor skills

Typical farm or ranch tasks involve the repair or maintenance of farm equipment and buildings. Fine motor skills are needed to manipulate hand and power tools. Ergonomically designed tools may reduce the stress to joints, use less energy and reduce unusual work positions. A ratcheting driver has an ergonomic, multi-position handle which provides maximum torque reducing fatigue (see figure 2). It is also more portable and less expensive than power equipment.

Fig. 2: A color photo of a ratcheting driver with an ergonomic, multi-position handle.
Fig. 2: A ratcheting driver with an ergonomic, multi-position handle.

Strength and endurance

Pneumatic tools reduce the force and energy necessary to complete tasks. The Palm Nailer® is easily held in the palm of the hand and allows the user to nail in any position, and in places a standard hammer cannot be swung (see figure 3). Hammering action begins with a light pressure on the nail and stops when the nail is set as desired.

Fig. 3: A color photo of a Palm Nailer®.
Fig. 3: Palm Nailer®

Try BEFORE you buy!

Prior to purchasing a tool marketed as ergonomic, the buyer should test the tool to see if it meets their need. Not all tools labeled as ergonomic perform as described.

Activities of daily living

Lacing up work boots requires fine motor skills. Service zippers available through such companies as Magnum manufacturing or Red Wing Shoes make this task quicker and easier (see figure 4). By overlaying the service zipper on the eyelets of existing footwear, the service zipper is laced onto the footgear. The service zipper can be used with other shoes of similar eyelet holes.

Fig. 4: A color photo of the Magnum Service Zipper.
Fig. 4: Magnum Service Zipper

Heat sensitivity

For some people with PD, the stress of working in the sun can cause fatigue and aggravate their symptoms. A sun canopy, hard or soft-side, can be added to a tractor or utility vehicle to reduce heat stress (see figure 5). The choice of canopy depends on the vehicle and on individual needs.

Fig. 5: A color photo of the Curtis Cab 4510 Hard-side for John Deere.
Fig. 5: Curtis Cab 4510 Hard-side for John Deere.

Mobility

Gross motor limitations, slow movements and fatigue experienced by many people with PD can make walking around the farmstead or between buildings difficult. A utility vehicle can help with mobility, save time and reduce fatigue. A number of tip sheets on choosing and comparing utility vehicles may help the farmer choose what would meet his/her specific needs. Tip sheets are available under utility vehicles on the AgrAbility assistive technology webpage and include comparisons of utility vehicles on a number of features and options. For this information go to: http://www.agrabilityproject.org/assistivetech/ .

Using a variety of strategies and agricultural assistive technology to reduce the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease will help the farmer remain in production agriculture. A willingness to adjust to changing needs and to accept the support of others will hopefully make living with PD easier .

Resources

American Parkinson’s Disease Association. http://www.apdaparkinson.org/user/index.asp
Michael J. Fox Foundation. http://www.michaeljfox.org/
National Parkinson Foundation. http://www.parkinson.org
Parkinson’s Disease Foundation. http://www.pdf.org/
Parkinson’s Health. http://www.parkinsonshealth.com/

Figure Credits

Medline Plus. May 2, 2005. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/imagepages/19515.htm. Accessed 20 May 2005.
Craftsman. July 4, 2004. http://www.sears.com. (search for Craftsman Professional 18 pc.Grip Driver Set). Accessed 20 May 2005.
Danair, Inc. 2000. http://www.danairinc.com/palmnailer.html . Accessed 1 June 2005.
Botach Tactical, Inc. No date. http://www.botac.com/botach/masezi.html. Accessed 1 June 2005.
Curtis Tractor Cab, Inc. 2005. http://www.curtiscabs.com/tractor_cab_systems.html. Accessed 1 June 2005.

BACK: Focus – Parkinsons Disease (PD)

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In This Issue
Section 1: Client Story – Bill Putnam: Determination and flexibility describe this New Hampshire farmer Section 2: Focus – Parkinsons Disease Section 3: Assistive Technology Notes – Parkinsons Disease	Section 4: State Project Feature – Northern New England AgrAbility Project Section 5: References Section 6: Contacts