Geriatric Exercise – Principles and Practice for Optimal Function
Musculoskeletal Health through the Life-Span
Carleen Lindsey, PT, MSAH, GCS, CEEAA
This 15-hour course presents a comprehensive overview of geriatric exercise principles, including detailed information on differential diagnosis, and practice patterns pertaining to most geriatric syndromes that respond to a therapeutic exercise program.
Examination and evaluative procedures applicable for treating a patient without referral are included for each area of physical therapy practice, as needed in the direct access environment. Topics include: age-related musculoskeletal, trunk and lower extremity posture issues, gait and foot considerations, cardiovascular, pulmonary, cognitive and neurological dysfunctions, and a review of each major joint with problems and solutions addressed.
Exercise approaches for common age-related syndromes such as osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, and stroke, Parkinson’s disease, balance disorders, bladder dysfunction and peripheral neuropathy are addressed. The course is constructed on a guideline based model, with protocols for differential diagnosis as well as specifics on timelines and precautions. Techniques taught and practiced include postural and aerobic exercise, resistive and aerobic training, safe stretching, gait training, PNF, triplanar functional exercise, and manual therapy with contract/relax.
Evidence for efficacy of techniques is presented in the form of scientific literature references as well as slide and video patient case studies. The course manual includes a full set of ready for clinic exercise sheets, in addition to lecture notes and bibliography.
All 15 hours of this course are applicable for the therapist treating a patient without referral.
