Daily Life Experiences: Challenges, Strategies, and Implications for Therapy in Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

The Goals and Outcomes of Adolescent and Young Adults with POTS Attending an Intensive Interdisciplinary Treatment Program

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) affects approximately 1% of adolescents, however, little research has been done in this area. This retrospective chart review describes the treatment goals and perceived progress as measured by the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) of 111 adolescents and young adults (AYAs) aged 12-22 (M = 15.8, SD = 1.8) diagnosed with POTS who were admitted to an interdisciplinary intensive pain treatment program (IIPT). This study also examined the change in progress and satisfaction in goals over a 3-week intensive pain treatment program, as well as the utility and validity of the COPM as an outcome measure for AYAs attending an IIPT. Results indicated adolescents and young adults endorsed treatment goals focused on self-care, school, and leisure and found that performance and satisfaction scores significantly improved from admission to discharge. The findings also suggest that the COPM is a useful and valid outcome measure for this population.

Cognition and Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS): Participant-Identified Challenges and Strategies, and Implications for Intervention

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a condition that affects the autonomic nervous system and can cause both orthostatic and non-orthostatic physical and cognitive symptoms. The goal of this study is to gain meaningful understanding of the cognitive impact of POTS on daily function and to record the strategies participants use to overcome the challenges to help direct occupational therapy treatment. Results show daily function is greatly and negatively impacted by cognitive symptoms resulting from POTS. Participants have discovered strategies and used adaptations to enable them to participate in their daily and meaningful tasks. Using the experiences of those who live with POTS every day to guide interventions, occupational therapy practitioners can better understand and help to improve the autonomy and independence of the clients they treat.

Occupational Therapy Interventions for Clients with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) in the Presence of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is often seen in clients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), primarily hypermobile EDS. Research has shown clients with EDS and POTS may experience limitations affecting not only their physical function, but also their social, emotional, and mental well-being. Using a client-centered approach, occupational therapy practitioners assess health, well-being, symptomatology (fatigue, muscle pain, dizziness, etc.), participation and engagement in occupation, and provide interventions to improve quality of life. This paper will address occupational therapy interventions to treat common symptomatology for clients with EDS in the presence of POTS, including environmental modifications, use of adaptive equipment and orthoses, exercise and fall prevention, energy conservation and pacing, sleep hygiene, and routine and habit development to promote optimal engagement in meaningful occupations.

Using the PEOP Model to Understand Barriers to Functioning in Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome

Individuals with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) experience many barriers that lead to decreased functioning and quality of life. At this time, there are limited resources regarding the functional impact of POTS on occupational performance. Therefore, this narrative review demonstrates how occupational therapy practitioners can conceptualize, categorize, and systematically organize their thinking around barriers individuals with POTS experience using the Person-Environment-Occupation-Performance (PEOP) model of practice.

Functional status in postural tachycardia syndrome

Introduction

Postural tachycardia syndrome is a form of orthostatic intolerance that often leads to functional impairment.

Methods

This survey explored functional status and impact of symptoms in adults ( n = 958) ages 18 to 60 (M = 32.63 ± 10.52 years, 96.7% female) with postural tachycardia syndrome.

Results

Individuals reported an average of 11 daily life activities impacted by postural tachycardia syndrome with high levels of self-perceived disability. Additionally, 93.4% reported some degree of cognitive impairment and falls occurred in 55.3% of participants annually. Despite frequent falls and functional impairment, participants infrequently (26.9%) utilized therapy services.

Conclusion

Individuals with postural tachycardia syndrome are at an increased risk of experiencing disability and often require assistance with daily activities. Further research is necessary to understand the potential role of therapy in improving function and quality of life.