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CEUL021376: PWR!Moves Therapist Training and Certification

Parkinson Wellness Recovery

Approved

This course has been Approved in APTA AZ

Credit valid September 25, 2018 to September 24, 2019

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Credit Description:

Recent advances in basic and clinical science research suggest exercise and learning approaches may protect, repair, and optimize function in persons with Parkinson disease (PD).1-12 To be effective, proactive rehabilitation paradigms are needed that deliver ongoing programming for life, starting at diagnosis, and that are guided by the essential principles of learning and neuroplasticity.12 Participants will be introduced to a comprehensive research-based framework called Exercise4BrainChange® to guide clinicians in how to implement essential principles of learning and neuroplasticity identified in the literature to real-world practice. Techniques will be described that advocate forced use, progressive difficulty, reinforcement, active engagement, empowerment, attention to action, sensory awareness training, and neural readiness (e.g., aerobic conditioning, mental imagery). Each of these principles is rooted in research in exercise science, motor control, and motor learning. This framework will be integrated with an understanding of the pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease for greater specificity of training. PWR!Moves are building blocks for everyday movement and involve the performance of whole-body, large amplitude, “big” movements in multiple postures (e.g., prone, supine, all 4’s, sitting, standing). The Basic 4 | PWR!Moves, PWR! Up, PWR! Rock, PWR! Twist, and PWR! Step, are taught as essential functional exercises which target the primary symptoms of PD, including bradykinesia, rigidity, and incoordination. They provide the repetition and specificity of training ideal for people with PD and can be scaled up or down across disease severity, integrated into function/ADL/lifestyle, implemented across disciplines (e.g., physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy) and settings (therapy and community), and reinforced in conjunction with other research-based exercise programming such as treadmill, cycling, pole walking, yoga, boxing, dance, and Tai Chi. Exercise4BrainChange framework applied to PWR!Moves allows for a comprehensive PD-specific approach that can target the multiple motor, sensory, cognitive, and emotional symptoms of PD. Participants will have the opportunity to practice PWR!Moves and incorporate E4BC® techniques while getting feedback from PWR!Moves faculty. They will also watch live demos of PWR!Moves and their use in treatment of volunteers with PD working with PWR!Moves faculty. Video cases and an interactive format will be used to discuss treatment plan essentials, to introduce specific exercises and various progressions, and to illustrate the real-world implementation of this framework across disease severity levels. Participants will be able to develop comprehensive neuroplasticity-principled, PD-specific treatment plans that integrate other evidenced-based approaches and account for disease severity, symptoms, co-morbidities, preferred forms of exercise and activity, capacity for learning, and age. The clinical translation of neuroplasticity-principled approaches for people with PD is dependent upon overcoming many challenges. Environments for learning are needed that embrace an atmosphere of empowerment, motivation, social enrichment, and function. Regional networks of PWR!Moves exercise experts are needed to advocate for early assessment and intervention, ongoing exercise, enrichment, and coordination with existing community fitness resources and local Parkinson foundations. We will describe how a Model Community NeuroFitness Center for people with Parkinson disease may offer a potential solution through partnerships with healthcare systems, Parkinson foundations, and through the training of local networks of PWR!Moves Certified PD exercise experts.

Created On: Aug-07-2018 12:00 AM ET

Last Modified On: Mar-13-2026 07:23 AM ET

Application Website URL

Delivery Method: In Person

Date Approved: Sep-25-2018 09:25 AM ET

Credit Requested: 14.00

Credit Approved: 14.00

Public Access: CEUL is open to public

Credit Event Dates

Date Location Name City, State More Information
November 10, 2018 - November 11, 2018 Denver, CO Link  
December 01, 2018 - December 02, 2018 Tucson, AZ Link