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Parallel development of Parkinson's-specific competencies for exercise professionals and criteria for exercise
Miriam R Rafferty1, Lisa Hoffman2, Megan Feeney3
1Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago, IL, USA; Department Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA; Department Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
Parkinsonism & Related Disorders
|May 18, 2023
Summary
The Parkinson's Foundation developed exercise professional competencies for people with Parkinson's (PwP). This initiative aims to standardize training and improve exercise program safety and effectiveness for individuals with Parkinson's disease.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Science
- Neurological Rehabilitation
- Professional Education
Background:
- Parkinson's Foundation identified a need for specialized exercise competencies for professionals working with people with Parkinson's (PwP).
- Existing guidelines for healthy populations were adapted and expanded upon for PwP.
- The study outlines the development of these specific competencies, continuing education criteria, and a pilot accreditation process.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the development of Parkinson's-specific professional competencies for exercise professionals.
- To outline the criteria for continuing education in this specialized field.
- To detail a pilot accreditation process for relevant educational programs and courses.
Main Methods:
- An expert panel conducted an environmental scan and synthesized Parkinson's-specific exercise guidelines.
- A survey of 627 people with Parkinson's in the USA informed competency development.
- Competencies and curriculum criteria were developed with psychometricians, alongside a pilot accreditation process with assessments at 6 and 12 months.
Main Results:
- Competency development was informed by an environmental scan, exercise guidelines, and a survey of 627 PwP.
- Five key domains were identified: disease information, exercise screening, program design, behavior counseling, and interprofessional communication.
- Seven programs/courses were accredited, including 3 certification programs and 4 continuing education courses.
Conclusions:
- The developed competencies, curriculum, and accreditation processes provide a framework for exercise professionals working with PwP.
- Standardizing knowledge and skills can enhance the safe and effective implementation of exercise programs for Parkinson's disease.
- These improvements are crucial for integrated care plans for individuals with Parkinson's disease.
Keywords:
Competency developmentContinuing education curriculumExercise professionalParkinson's diseaseMore Related Videos
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