2205 – Aging Spectrum Interventions Specialty Certificate Program

Intermediate / Pool Workshop / 3-Day Program

Chicago, IL / Friday-Sunday, November 19-21 – 15.0 credit hours equal to 15.0 CECs/1.5 CEUs

Faculty: Sandy Stoub, MA, CSCS, ATRIC / Ruth Sova, MS, ATRIC

Friday, November 19: Pool: 7:30-10:30 am / Classroom: 10:30 am-12:30 pm / Lunch on own: 12:30-1:45 pm / Classroom: 1:45-4:15 pm

Saturday, November 20: Classroom: 9:00-11:30 am / Sit-down Luncheon: 11:30 am-1:30 pm / Pool: 1:45-4:00 pm

Sunday, November 21: Pool: 8:00-10:00 am / Classroom: 10:00-11:30 am

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course is strong on interventions and exercises for older adults. The pool activities are evidence-based.

Join us in determining the best way to meet the issues and needs of this population. The exercises offered are geared toward brain injuries, cognitive deficits, and neurological issues; pain (arthritis, fibromyalgia, polymyalgia, surgical, cancer, etc); musculoskeletal including strength, flexibility/ROM, osteoporosis and general postural deviations; lifestyle conditions such as diabetes, obesity, stress, weakness; and balance, coordination, gait and fall prevention.

Protocol

On the first day, we’ll begin with a sample protocol with additional exercises for varied aging issues. Pain, deep tissue muscle re-education, balance, postural cues, gait, functional movement, brain exercises, relaxation and progressions for balance, trunk and precise muscle recruitment are covered in the protocol. Precautions for aging issues are reviewed. The protocol (and the rationale for the format) is discussed in lecture.

Equipment / Assistive Devices

Equipment indications and application, equipment modifications, and equipment precautions and contraindications are discussed. Information on traditional and new equipment, what goals can be furthered with varied equipment applications, equipment placement and positioning, physiological repercussions of equipment placement, the pros and cons of resistive versus weighted versus buoyant equipment, equipment safety, and resources for equipment are all covered in the lecture.

Physiological Overview

The second day will include the implications of serving the boomer and older populations, implementing brain fitness with functional activity, and a comprehensive overview of the multiple dimensions of wellness related to aging. Optimizing functionality and understanding functional stages of change, improving functionality in balance and fall prevention, choosing intensity levels, water depth and temperature, and a brief physiological overview with aging systemic changes are all covered in the lecture.

Functional Training

Functional training for ADLs, working with the circuit training concept, somatosensory balance drills and disruptions, core training and brain-game activities are part of the pool portion of this day. This will be more in-depth information on post-therapy training concepts.

Aquatic Therapy Techniques

The third day will include additional aquatic therapy techniques during the pool portion, agility training, case studies and certificate awards.

Educational Materials

The 100+ page manual will include all forms, assessments, power points, exercises, evidence and theory used in the course. Supplementary material such as articles, resources and bibliography are all included to make the manual a valuable resource. In addition to the manual a CD ROM with all data (so it is in usable form) is part of the course materials.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

1) Fill your toolbox with over 70 exercises for regaining or maintaining functional skills.

2) Consider the multiple dimensions of wellness and aging.

3) Examine the brain fitness involved in functional activity.

4) Experience exercises applicable to aging adults taken from a variety of aquatic therapy techniques.

5) Participate in a sample protocol that addresses aging issues.

6) Study and feel somatosensory balance drills and disruptions.

7) Determine the concepts behind core training for seniors.

8) Consider the changing senior market regarding physiology, diseases and trends.

9) Experience and discuss weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing, horizontal standing and seated,

equipment-based and equipment-free exercises.

10) Briefly explore the bridge between therapy and wellness services and the implications of medicare

regulation changes.

11) Experiment with brain game pool activities.

12) Address possible groupings of varied diagnoses.

FACULTY: Ruth Sova, MS, ATRIC, founder/president of ATRI, is an internationally known speaker, author and consultant. She is the founder of six different businesses including the Aquatic Therapy & Rehab Institute, the Aquatic Exercise Association, Living Right Magazine, America’s Certification Trainers, Armchair Aerobics Inc., and the Fitness Firm. A leader in the health and wellness industry, she also draws on her vast experience as an entrepreneur to teach others what it takes to assume the risk of business and enterprise. Ruth is the author of numerous articles and 15 books on her specialties of wellness and business. She is the recipient of numerous awards including the Sevier-McCahill Disability International Foundation Award; and the John Williams, Jr. International Swimming Hall of Fame Adapted Aquatics Award. Known for her high energy and practical teaching approaches, Ruth has brought thousands of people over the years to understand the benefits of water exercise.

With a BA in Exercise Science and a MA in Gerontology, Sandy Stoub, MA, blends education with over 20 years of experience in the fitness industry giving her an extensive background in all aspects of exercise. She is Director of Wellness Services for Alliance Rehab Inc., overseeing program operations in 50 locations in 10 states.  An author, adjunct professor, and award-winning international presenter, she strives to provide cutting-edge scientific, innovative, and practical education programs for persons of all ages and abilities. Sandy is an AEA Training Specialist, chairperson of AEA's Advisory Committee, and proud Gramma.