Course Description:
This course is an evidence-based review of the parameters of prescribing exercise for older adults. It covers the changing demographics of our society, the benefits of exercise for older adults, the aging process, common geriatric disorders and how exercise affects them, contraindications/precautions to exercise, medication considerations, and patient compliance challenges. It also reviews the principles of aerobic, strengthening, and balance/posture activities, with discussion of assessment and exercise prescription parameters.
This overview course will be useful in clinical practice for all rehab clinicians who work with older adults.
Methods of Instruction:
Online audio/video course
Course Instructor:
Sally Stillings, MA, PT, MPT, CHT
Sarah R. (Sally) Stillings, MA, PT, MPT, CHT, is a physical therapist and Certified Hand Therapist in Texas. She received her PT degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Prior to becoming a therapist, Sally taught university-level writing courses and worked in medical publishing. In her extensive career as a PT, she has held a variety of clinical, teaching, administrative, and business roles, including general PT practitioner, clinic manager, upper extremity specialist, hand therapy clinic coordinator, continuing education instructor, and business administrator. Her work now focuses on creating evidence-based CE materials for rehab professionals. Sally is a lifelong runner who celebrates all those who cover the ground.
Disclosures:
Financial: The course presenter receives an honorarium from AdvantageCEUs.com. The presenter has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: The presenter has no relevant non-financial relationships.
Sponsor: It is the policy of AdvantageCEUs.com not to accept commercial support.
Content: This course does not focus solely on any specific product or service.
Target Audience:
Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapist Assistants and Athletic Trainers.
Educational Level:
Intermediate
Prerequisites:
None
Course Goals and Objectives:
At the completion of this course, participants should be able to:
- Recognize the changing demographics in the US and other countries and how they may affect clinical practice
- Identify normal physiological changes that occur with aging
- Differentiate between common geriatric disorders, how they affect health and function, and how exercise may benefit these patients
- Differentiate between contraindications and precautions to exercise with older patients, be able to supply information in a case study
- Identify how endurance, flexibility, balance, strength, and other components of geriatric fitness affect patients’ function
- Recognize issues of patient compliance with exercise programs
- Identify key concepts of therapeutic exercise for the older adult
- Differentiate between and apply a variety of strategies for building a patient-specific geriatric exercise program
- Identify and apply the recommendations for physical activity for older adults
- Recognize how to appropriately progress the exercise program based on the patient’s individual needs
Criteria for Obtaining Continuing Education Credits:
A score of 70% or greater on the post-test