Therapeutic Exercise and the Older Adult: An Evidence-Based Approach, 3rd Edition

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About the Course       
This intermediate-level course is designed to educate occupational and physical therapy practitioners on the implementation of exercise prescriptions in older adults. This course will review the multiple age-related systemic changes that take place in the cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, interstitial and musculoskeletal systems and describe how exercise may mitigate these changes. This course will also provide recommended exercise programs according to the most recent American College of Sports Medicine guidelines for older adults and discuss common barriers for exercise participation in older adults. It will also describe how changes after an exercise intervention can be measured by providing several clinical measures that can routinely and easily be implemented in clinical practice. Finally, this course will discuss special concerns, such as the need for medical screening prior to establishing a new exercise program, and special considerations when recommending exercise for individuals with comorbid conditions common in older populations, such as osteoarthritis, chronic pain, diabetes, dementia, and obesity.  At the end of this course, practitioners should be able to comfortably recommend, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive exercise program for older adults.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Describe the changes that take place in the cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, interstitial and musculoskeletal systems with aging.
  • Describe the benefits and explain an appropriate exercise intervention to mitigate age-related changes and support occupational performance for individuals, groups and populations. 
  • Explain common barriers to exercise in older adults.
  • Compare and contrast appropriate tests for clinical use to measure change after an aerobic or resistance exercise intervention.
  • Critique special considerations when prescribing exercise for older adults with comorbid conditions.

About the Author:  
Heather Johnson, OTD, MS OTR/L, BSOT, CMhIMP is an Occupational Therapist with more than 20 years working with complex clientele, using non-pharmacological interventions to navigate pain, behaviors and other barriers to performance.  She has worked in dual roles as a clinician and IPE for health care practitioners.  In her commitment to non-pharmacological interventions, Heather has earned certifications in several complementary health approaches and integrative health (CHAIH) approaches including dry cupping, kinesio-taping for the upper extremity, mental health integrative medicine. Ms. Johnson earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of New Hampshire-Durham and a post-professional master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from San Jose State University. She is currently working in home care with MGH-Brigham and completed her post-professional doctoral work in OT through the MGH-Institute of Healthcare Professions with an innovation project on closing the knowledge gap for OT and PT interventions for clients with graft vs host disease. She is a fieldwork coordinator for Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions in their COTA to MAOT Bridge Program.  

How to Receive Credit  

  • Read the entire course online or in print which requires a 2 hour commitment of time. 
  • Complete a mandatory test (a passing score of 75% is required). Test questions link content to learning objectives as a method to enhance individualized learning and material retention.
  • Provide required personal and payment information.
  • Complete the mandatory course evaluation.
  • Print your Certificate of Completion.


Resolution of Conflict of Interest* 
Planners, faculty, and others in control of content (either individually or as a group) have no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

Sponsorship/Commercial Support and Non-Endorsement
It is the policy of Colibri Healthcare, LLC not to accept commercial support. Furthermore, commercial interests are prohibited from distributing or providing access to this activity to learners.
 
Disclaimer
The information provided in this activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent medical judgment of a healthcare provider relative to diagnostic and treatment options of a specific patient’s medical condition. 
©2023: All Rights Reserved. Materials may not be reproduced without the expressed written permission or consent of Colibri Healthcare, LLC. The materials presented in this course are meant to provide the consumer with general information on the topics covered. The information provided was prepared by professionals with practical knowledge of the areas covered. It is not meant to provide medical, legal, or professional advice. Colibri Healthcare, LLC recommends that you consult a medical, legal, or professional services expert licensed in your state. Colibri Healthcare, LLC has made all reasonable efforts to ensure that all content provided in this course is accurate and up to date at the time of printing but does not represent or warrant that it will apply to your situation nor circumstances and assumes no liability from reliance on these materials. Quotes are collected from customer feedback surveys. The models are intended to be representative and not actual customers. 

Accreditations and Approvals

AOTA logoColibri Healthcare, LLC is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development. Course approval ID# 7235. This Distance Learning-Independent is offered at .2 CEUs, Intermediate, OT Service Delivery, Foundational Knowledge. The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.