Certified Exercise Expert for Aging Adults

Certified Exercise Expert for Aging Adults is organized by American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and will be held from Apr 27 - 28, 2024 at University Of North Texas, Denton, Texas, United States of America.

Description: 
Evidence for the benefits of effective exercise programs for the full spectrum of aging adults is overwhelmingly positive. The unique role of the physical therapist in providing these programs is unequivocal. Further education can enhance the ability of physical therapists to incorporate evidence into practice in order to appropriately examine and provide the quality of exercise that will yield optimal benefits for the aging adult. The Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy, in adopting the position that physical therapists should be the exercise experts for aging adults, is a leader in providing physical therapists with a mechanism to develop and demonstrate expertise in the design and delivery of effective exercise programs for aging adults.

Exercise Certification Series Course 1:
Introduction and Examination (Tests and Measures) This course will cover the anatomical and physiological changes that occur with aging, including disease and disability, and the effects of inactivity on these changes. The best tests and measures for the examination of aging adults will be detailed, including tests of: aerobic capacity/ endurance; anthropometric characteristics; arousal, attention and cognition; gait, locomotion and balance; muscle performance; posture; range of motion; sensory integrity; vestibular; and multipurpose. Participants will perform tests and measures throughout the course.

Objectives:
Upon completion of this certification program, you will be able to:
• Describe demographics related to aging adult populations, including disease trends and disability
• Advocate for physical therapists being the ideal professionals to work with aging adults
• Discuss the anatomical and physiological changes in the aging adult
• Select and perform the best tests and measures for examination of aging adults
• Analyze the beneficial responses to exercise for each body system
• Provide a safe and effective exercise prescription for the aging adult, including training for aerobic conditioning/endurance; balance, coordination, and agility; flexibility; gait and locomotion; and strength, power, and endurance
• Recognize barriers to effective exercise prescription and provide motivational strategies for success
• Explain the effects of medications on exercise performance
• Describe principles of aquatic, tai chi, yoga, and Pilates exercises for aging adults and how to integrate them into exercise programs
• Prescribe evidence-based exercise programs for specific aging populations
• Discuss nutritional requirements for the exercising aging adult
• Discuss equipment needs, marketing, and reimbursement for exercise programs for aging adults