Energy Conservation & Work Simplification
Principles designed to reduce stress on the body during completion of daily tasks to increase physical capability
What is energy conservation?
Spreading out aspects of activity to improve efficiency with decreased fatigue
What is activity pacing?
Adaptive equipment that can be used to retrieve items farther from patient's body to reduce fall risk
What is a reacher?
35-year-old patient with progressed rheumatoid arthritis who is unable to hold tools in order to independently complete grooming tasks and application of makeup
Possible adaptations: universal cuff, ergonomic/long-handled hairbrush, foam build-ups to increase width of handles for joint protection, bottle cap grip to open containers, modified makeup tools with wider handles
Kitchen tasks in need of adaptations:
Possible answers: use of barstools to sit, adapted cutting board to hold vegetables in place while chopping, use of manual vegetable chopper, food processor, rocker knife, widened grip or strap on knives to protect joints
Making daily tasks easier and more efficient to reduce strain and amount of energy required
What is work simplification?
Reducing external stress applied to impaired joints and reduce risk of injury to joints
What is joint protection?
Piece of adaptive equipment that assists with single-handed dressing techniques or joint protection when completing upper body dressing
What is a button hook?
79-year-old patient with chronic heart failure who demonstrates increased fatigue and difficulty maintaining balance during bathing tasks
Possible adaptations: use of DME (shower chair, tub bench) to allow sitting, grab bars in shower entrance/within shower, handheld shower head, non-slip bath mats, reducing heat of shower water, using ventilation/cracking door to reduce steam, use robe after showering to dry self
Bedroom tasks in need of adaptations:
Possible answers: sitting on edge of bed to pull up blinds, use of foam/soft grip over metal aspect of blind chain (which can be placed over metal and moved along as hands move up beaded chain), installation of motorized blind control
This simple change in position while performing activities can reduce energy use by 25%
What is sitting?
This tool helps patients to visualize and plan their daily activities to balance energy expenditure throughout the day/week
What is an activity diary or energy log?
Adaptive equipment consisting of a long stick with adhesive/clip to secure toilet paper for perineal hygiene for persons who have difficulty with reaching posteriorly for wiping after toileting
What is a toilet aid?
58-year-old patient with Parkinson's disease who reports that it takes him nearly 30 minutes to get dressed in his business clothing for work each day due to his tremors
Possible adaptations: adaptive equipment for assistance with fine motor tasks (button hook, zipper pull, Velcro, elastic shoelaces), adaptive equipment for greater ease with lower body dressing (sock aide, shoe horn, dressing stick, reacher), use of adapted clothing with elastic waistbands
Laundry Room tasks in need of adaptation:
Possible answers: placement of basket next to unit for transfer of clean clothes for folding, use of stool while moving clothes from washer to dryer, sitting in front of washer/dryer and sorting and/or folding clothes within laundry room next to dresser while seated, rolling laundry cart to transport clothing
Name 3 principles of energy conservation
What are plan ahead, appropriate pacing, stay organized, rest breaks, sit for tasks, maintain good posture, delegate tasks, use AE/DME, and use electrical appliances?
When completing grocery shopping with rheumatoid arthritis, this item should be used to carry groceries to reduce strain on joints
What is a shopping cart?
Tool that can be used to complete transfers and bed mobility with greater ease by allowing the user to pull lower extremities up/over thresholds
What is a leg lifter?
67-year-old patient with COPD who reports he struggles to get ready in time for appointments in the morning due to fatigue after waking up
Possible adaptations: plan activities/appointments later in the day when possible to avoid rushing through morning routine, bathe/shower in the evening, lay clothes out the night before, placement of chairs within rooms to allow for seated completion of morning routine
Living Room tasks in need of adaptations:
Possible answers: placement of power strip nearby entrance of living room, use of lightweight/narrower cleaning tools/vacuum to navigate around coffee table, handheld attachment or vacuum to clean underneath coffee table easily, lightweight/cordless vacuum, Roomba or other automatic cleaning tool to vacuum rug
Name 3 principles of work simplification
What are divide jobs, reduce/eliminate unnecessary tasks, combine tasks, plan ahead, and decrease stress on body
Name 3 principles of joint protection
What are respect pain, balance rest and work, reduce effort, use largest/strongest joints, use joints in anatomical position, keep moving, avoid deformity positions, and use AE?
Adaptive equipment that can be used to reduce sliding of items on surfaces, or to improve a person's grip on items
What is Dycem?
42-year-old patient with ALS who reports she has difficulty with cooking tasks due to fatigue while retrieving items in kitchen
Possible adaptations: setting commonly used items at waist to shoulder height, gather all items prior to beginning cooking, meal preparation for reduced frequency of cooking, lightweight cookware and dishes, use of paper plates/cups to reduce weight and dishwashing, electric tools (can openers, food processors, and blenders)
Bathroom tasks in need of adaptations:
Possible answers: use of adjustable stool/other chair with back to sit next to shower while cleaning areas within reach, long/extended handled sponge/scrubber for cleaning back wall/floor, cleaners that can be applied and left/rinsed off in shower, electric spin scrubber