Parkinson’s Disease:
Assistive Technology for Farmers

Lindsey Bonsall, OTR/L
 Joni Jones, COTA/L
Fletcher Allen Healthcare
Burlington, VT
Farming Independently with
Parkinson’s Disease (PD)
 Occupational
Therapists (OT) assist
in providing alternative ways to
remain independent with daily
occupations.
What is a daily occupation?
 In
everyday life, it can be as simple
as getting dressed.
A
career is also an occupation , but
most of all the tasks that make up an
activity are occupations too.
Common symptoms of PD include:
– Hand tremors
– Decrease fine motor control
– Impaired gait
– Decreased strength
– Heat sensitivity
How does Parkinson’s Disease
affect my ability to do these daily
occupations?
 Hand
tremors/Fine Motor Control
 Impaired Gait
 Decrease in Strength
 Heat Sensitivity
Assistive Technology for the
Occupations of Farming
 Adaptive
Equipment (AE) is used to
aide in the completion of various
tasks
 AE
allows individuals more
independence with daily occupations
Adaptive Equipment Options for
Farming
 PVC
pipe attachments
 Ergonomic Handles
 Built up handles
 Added weight to handles
 Canopies for tractors
 Tractor lifts
Adaptive Equipment for hand tools
 The
following examples of AE will
help to compensate for decreased
grip strength, decreased fine motor
control and tremors in the hands.
PVC Pipe
1. used to lengthen tool handles
http://agebb.missouri.edu/hort/meg/archives/v6n15/meg2.htm
Bicycle Grips
2. Tool handles can be modified by
using bicycle grips or electrical tape
http://agebb.missouri.edu/hort/meg/archives/v6n15/meg2.htm
Tools with ergonomic handles can be
purchased
Adapting tools
“Add-on” handles can be purchased
and attached to various tools
Ergonomic handles for hand
tools
 www.activeforever.com
 1-800-377-8033
 Adding
handles to larger tools
such as rakes and shovels will
allow more control while
performing agricultural tasks.
Ergo handles
www.rakehandle.com
 1-800-685-0315

Add-on Handles for Tools
 www.activeforever.com
 1-800-377-8033
Weight
Adding weight to handles decreases
hand tremors when using tools
STRAIGHT LEAD KNIFE WEIGHTED
Wooden handle with hammer
Activities of daily living require fine
motor skills too! AE for clothing can
be used to allow continued
independence self care.
 Magnum
Service Zipper
Adaptive Equipment for heat
sensitivity
 Symptoms
of PD are frequently
worsened by increased temperatures
and prolonged labor in hot and
humid weather
 Canopies or sun shades can be
purchased and applied to any tractor
to help shade the farmer from direct
sunlight.
Tractor Shade
 www.sears.com
Adaptive Equipment for decreased
balance and uncoordinated
movement
 Many
farmers with PD need to make
the transition from walking through
fields all day long to riding a tractor
 Access onto a tractor may become
difficult as well.
 A lift can be added to a tractor to
ensure a safe, consistent transfer
onto the tractor seat.
Common Types of Tractor Lifts
 Platform
lift- for individuals who can
stand but not climb.
- example: Lectralift
 Chair
lift- for individuals who can
transfer from a wheelchair to a
chairlift
- example: Pilot Lift from Life
Essentials
LectraLift
 www.lectraaid.com
 Portable/Independent
Multipurpose
lift- this type of lift can be used for
more than one piece of equipment
- example: Freedom Lift from
Freedom Technologies
Energy Conservation
Techniques
 Conserving
energy while completing
everyday work tasks and life tasks
will help support a decrease in
symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease
1.
2.
3.
4.
Pace yourself.
Take frequent rest breaks rather
than long required breaks after you
feel tired.
Breathe easy
Sit rather than stand whenever
possible
9. Think about the ground you will be
walking on and the distance you will
be traveling.
10. Modify your work routine gradually
always keeping your disease in the
forefront of your mind.
11. Get work areas ready before
beginning your tasks to prevent
unnecessary trips.
12. Plan to use commercial
projects/services to release time and
energy when practical.
13. Use highest/lowest storage areas
for seldom used items.
Proper Body Mechanics
 Being
aware of how you move your
body can do the following:
– Decrease fatigue
– Protect your joints
– Conserve energy
– Prevent worsening of symptoms
1.
2.
3.
Posture- stand, walk, and sit tall.
Stretch throughout the day(Specific, helpful stretches will
follow.)
Change position frequently
4. Avoid repetitive movements, such
as twisting, for long periods of time.
5. Keep loads as close to your body as
possible when lifting, carrying, or
working
6. When reaching to perform a task,
try to brace your knees/legs to help
stabilize your spine.
7. Lift safely- have a good base of
support.
8. Push, pull, or slide heavy objects
whenever possible.
9. Avoid sudden or jerky movements
when lifting or moving heavy items.
10. REST FREQUENTLY!!!!!!!!!
The Benefits of Stretching
 Increases
range of motion of joints
 Helps with good posture
 Protects against muscle strains or
sprains
 Improves circulation
 Releases muscle tension
Do’s and Don’ts of Stretching
 DO
stretch until you feel a gentle pull
 DON’T stretch to the point of pain
 DON’T bounce while you stretch.
 DON’T hold your breath while you
stretch.
 DON’T compare yourself to others.
Examples of Stretches:
 Overhead
stretch
– Sit tall in a chair and interlock fingers
together.
– Turn palms facing out and slowly lift
arms overhead.
– Gently allow neck to fall back and look
up at hands
 Seated
side stretch
– Sit to one side of a chair with arm rests
– Reach one arm down toward floor
– Reach other arm up and over to side
– Keep feet flat on floor
 Seated
rotation stretch
– Sit tall in a chair with one arm behind
back of chair
– Reach around in front of you with other
arm to grab the back of chair
– Turn your neck and look back over your
shoulder
 Standing
back stretch
– Stand with feet hip width apart
– Place palms on low back
– Gently lean trunk and neck back
 Standing
shoulder stretch
– Stand tall with feet hip width apart
– Clasp hands behind back
– Gently lift arms up and away from the
back, keeping head up.
 Ankle
circles
– Kick foot in front of you
– Move foot in slow, complete circles
– Repeat in both directions
The AgrAbility Project
Therapists perform worksite evaluations
 Look at each work environment and make
recommendations based on ability and
limitations

Resources for Adaptive Equipment

When seeking adaptive equipment,
farmers can contact the state Vocational
Rehabilitation program or other charitable
organizations for support.
In Conclusion
 The
information brought forward
today was designed to educate
farmers and professional clinicians
about the various adaptive
equipment available to maintain or
increase independence with the
occupation of farming.
 We thank you for your time today!