Course Description:

Exercising geriatric patients presents a unique challenge to therapists. Most patients have multiple diagnoses, take multiple medications and are frequently deconditioned and possibly have never previously exercised.
Participants will learn different exercise techniques and innovative interventions for all the body’s major joints as well as for the most common diagnoses seen in older persons (i.e., stroke, Parkinson’s disease, gait, and balance deficits, etc.). Participants will also learn how to use functional tools to establish and guide exercise programs, thus improving functional test scores, outcomes, and safe mobility. Evidence-based research will be used to support the efficacy of the geriatric exercises presented and both indications and contraindications will be discussed.
Our older patients also present challenges in learning new exercises and being motivated to perform. This course will also present multiple ideas to improve communication, learning and motivation that will only serve to enhance the overall exercise program and functional outcome.
Developing geriatric exercise programs is challenging and sometimes difficult but can also be fun and rewarding. This course will provide therapists with the opportunity to broaden their horizons.