Optimal Movement Strategies for Seniors

Course Description

When working with our elderly population, we have much to do in a limited period of time. This course will help you maximize your time and improve your outcomes through exercise prescription and neuromuscular facilitation techniques that are more contemporary, informative and functionally relevant. Gain refreshing new perspectives on progressive transfer training, balance and postural improvement, gait and stairs facilitation, skin protection and bending ergonomics. Content features Dynamic Integrative Movement principles, and specific movement control exercise (SMCE), providing creative and innovative new ways of improving functional movement and independence in your patients. You will experientially explore Optimal Movement Patterns and contrast with common dysfunctional patterns, then learn to utilize cutting-edge teaching strategies and concepts to progressively facilitate specific motor skill acquisition. Use these Optimal Movement Strategies with orthopedic surgeries or injuries, neurological or general health conditions, degenerative musculo-skeletal complaints and the “weak and wobbly”; applicable in a hospital, SNF, home health or when working with the active elderly in an out-patient setting.

Course Objectives: By the completion of this course, the participant will be able to:

• List three key differences between Static Integration and Dynamic Integration movement models and exercise principles.
• Explain the concept and the importance of “Teaching to the Test”—linking therapeutic activities and exercise to Medicare guidelines to reconcile payer requirements with a patient-first practice model.
• Define Global and Differentiated movement patterns and give two examples each from lower extremities, upper extremities and spine.
• List and explain a key characteristic and a key benefit of Specific Motor Control Exercise; Pattern Specificity and Pattern Recognition.
• In prescribing exercise for seniors, list one benefit each for the following teaching techniques; reciprocating movements, application of constraints, change of venue and the goldilocks principle.
• Demonstrate Language and Manual Cueing specific to a senior population throughout the course through partner observation and partner practice.

Course Outline: Lab sessions include experiential movement, partner observations, facilitation techniques, modifications, discussion of clinical relevance and documentation considerations.