Answers (15)
1
Hi Lindy,
I teach a class called SteadyFeet which was created by our region's physiotherapy dept (Vancouver Coastal Health), and is managed by them, but classes are given in the community by group exercise instructors. We focus on seated to standing warm ups, balance training (seated and standing), gait training, strength and stretch. Although these participants have trouble standing and walking, about half the class is standing and walking, but of course I am sensitive to the needs of each participant and can let them sit more if needed. Props are items that most gym facilities have such as chairs, balls, therabands, yoga blocks for stepping over, sissel pads for seated balance, etc. You can likely look up the program on the internet and there would be contact info for more information. Very good program and I always have return participants. Classes need to be small, and originally were capped at 6 participants. I now allow up to 10 because I have return participants (who do show improvement) and am more experienced with the program. Good luck!
I teach a class called SteadyFeet which was created by our region's physiotherapy dept (Vancouver Coastal Health), and is managed by them, but classes are given in the community by group exercise instructors. We focus on seated to standing warm ups, balance training (seated and standing), gait training, strength and stretch. Although these participants have trouble standing and walking, about half the class is standing and walking, but of course I am sensitive to the needs of each participant and can let them sit more if needed. Props are items that most gym facilities have such as chairs, balls, therabands, yoga blocks for stepping over, sissel pads for seated balance, etc. You can likely look up the program on the internet and there would be contact info for more information. Very good program and I always have return participants. Classes need to be small, and originally were capped at 6 participants. I now allow up to 10 because I have return participants (who do show improvement) and am more experienced with the program. Good luck!
1
Hello Lindy Smith,
Client improvement makes the class successful. Homework for the participants to do between sessions is easier when they learn exercises that do not require equipment.
Take care,
Natalie aka NAPS 2 B Fit.
Client improvement makes the class successful. Homework for the participants to do between sessions is easier when they learn exercises that do not require equipment.
Take care,
Natalie aka NAPS 2 B Fit.
1
Another thing to look up might be "fallproof." I think I've heard of a program with that name.
Here is one of the related products / programs, although it might feel too clinical to you.
http://www.humankinetics.com/products/all-products/fallproof-2nd-edition
Here is one of the related products / programs, although it might feel too clinical to you.
http://www.humankinetics.com/products/all-products/fallproof-2nd-edition
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And here's one from the IDEA side.
http://www.ideafit.com/fitness-library/what-type-exercise-do-you-use-hel...
http://www.ideafit.com/fitness-library/what-type-exercise-do-you-use-hel...
1
Why is the FallProof™ Program so beneficial in improving balance, mobility, strength and reducing the risk of falls among older adults?
The FallProof program content is designed to systematically manipulate the demands or challenge of the task to be performed and/or the constraints imposed by the practice environment that simulate those encountered during daily life in a way that matches each individual’s capabilities. Unlike other fall prevention programs FallProof™ covers all bases: the sensory system (vision, somatosensory, vestibular), motor system (muscle movement), and cognitive system (mental function). Twice a week training is recommended for optimal benefits.
The four core program components focusing on elevating the function of the sensory, motor, and cognitive systems:
Volitional and non-volitional control of the center of gravity
Sensory reception and integration skills
Selection and scaling of postural control strategies
Development of a flexible and adaptable walking/gait pattern
The FallProof program content is designed to systematically manipulate the demands or challenge of the task to be performed and/or the constraints imposed by the practice environment that simulate those encountered during daily life in a way that matches each individual’s capabilities. Unlike other fall prevention programs FallProof™ covers all bases: the sensory system (vision, somatosensory, vestibular), motor system (muscle movement), and cognitive system (mental function). Twice a week training is recommended for optimal benefits.
The four core program components focusing on elevating the function of the sensory, motor, and cognitive systems:
Volitional and non-volitional control of the center of gravity
Sensory reception and integration skills
Selection and scaling of postural control strategies
Development of a flexible and adaptable walking/gait pattern
1
OK, I know I'm putting a lot of posts on your thread, but this is really interesting to me as a yoga instructor who works with an aging population, so I'm populating your thread with several resources.
It looks like there's a certification in fallproof, which is quite extensive and probably way more than you're looking for. BUT, you can probably learn a lot about their program by getting their dvds. They have 3 "fallproof at home" DVDs that are only $15 each and you could probably include their exercoses in your class.
http://hdcs.fullerton.edu/csa/fallproof/FallProof_InstructorCert.htm
It looks like there's a certification in fallproof, which is quite extensive and probably way more than you're looking for. BUT, you can probably learn a lot about their program by getting their dvds. They have 3 "fallproof at home" DVDs that are only $15 each and you could probably include their exercoses in your class.
http://hdcs.fullerton.edu/csa/fallproof/FallProof_InstructorCert.htm
1
Hi Lindy! I believe the best way to make a balance class successful is to provide many modifications so that you can meet the individual clients where they are at on their journey. I hope this helps:)
1
Your balance program should be including progressive training for the entire kinetic chain from the ground up. Skeletomuscular strength, control, and proprioception are gradually lost with age and accelerated with disuse. I am sure that your Physical Therapists would be more than capable of designing this type of program. I will recommend starting with the foundation movements at all of the joints to assess ROM and imbalances. Then adding resistance to each movement slowly over time. And working on reaction time, especially for the legs. Like placing a row of colored tiles/rub mats on the floor and having the participants touch a called out color as quickly as possible with the foot and in the manner that is also called out. Such as, "Ready, left foot red, keep the foot on the tile." Or, "Left foot red and back to the starting position". Possible other variations are pretty extensive so boredom shouldn't be a problem.
I would be happy to consult with your therapists at any time as a professional courtesy. Though, again, I am sure they are more than capable. www.hawaiifitnessacademy.com
I would be happy to consult with your therapists at any time as a professional courtesy. Though, again, I am sure they are more than capable. www.hawaiifitnessacademy.com
1
Another thing to consider is to offer MELT hand and foot treatments to them. It's amazing how well MELT increases proprioception on the bottoms of the feet, and that's a foundation of balance.
1
Hi Lindy
I have been off the site for a while, so just read through the thread. It is an interesting topic. To me it sounds as though you are less asking about how to do a balance class, then how to take the class you are leading under the direction of the physical therapists and modify it to make it less dependent on props. Is that correct?
There are a lot of factors involved in such a question.... one question would be on the population being served... is this a specifically older population or do you also have people with balance issues due to neurological issues or other medical factors. Another would be your budget. There is also a question of whether you are doing the class as part of a research protocol. And are the students currently in rehab from an injury? Are you personally teaching the class, or is it taught by the PTs?
However, leaving all of that aside I would make a general suggestion. Consider suggesting some training in 'non prop modalities' for the person who is actually teaching the class. This way the instructor could take the suggestions that best are adaptable to the needs of the class and the students. MELT is excellent, though quite pricy. And there are some props that you would need. They are easier to set up and use, but are your students able to buy them to use at home, or are they coming often enough to get a greater benefit from their use. There was a Pilates teacher at the IDEA convention two years ago who was also a PT and focused on work for the elderly. She was great, and maybe if you contacted IDEA you could get her name and look at her web site. You could also look to do some yoga training....not vinyasa, or Bikram, or ashtanga, which I don't think are ideal for your group, nor yin nor restorative, that won't give you much of the strength piece, but chair yoga, or yogalates.
Good luck
I have been off the site for a while, so just read through the thread. It is an interesting topic. To me it sounds as though you are less asking about how to do a balance class, then how to take the class you are leading under the direction of the physical therapists and modify it to make it less dependent on props. Is that correct?
There are a lot of factors involved in such a question.... one question would be on the population being served... is this a specifically older population or do you also have people with balance issues due to neurological issues or other medical factors. Another would be your budget. There is also a question of whether you are doing the class as part of a research protocol. And are the students currently in rehab from an injury? Are you personally teaching the class, or is it taught by the PTs?
However, leaving all of that aside I would make a general suggestion. Consider suggesting some training in 'non prop modalities' for the person who is actually teaching the class. This way the instructor could take the suggestions that best are adaptable to the needs of the class and the students. MELT is excellent, though quite pricy. And there are some props that you would need. They are easier to set up and use, but are your students able to buy them to use at home, or are they coming often enough to get a greater benefit from their use. There was a Pilates teacher at the IDEA convention two years ago who was also a PT and focused on work for the elderly. She was great, and maybe if you contacted IDEA you could get her name and look at her web site. You could also look to do some yoga training....not vinyasa, or Bikram, or ashtanga, which I don't think are ideal for your group, nor yin nor restorative, that won't give you much of the strength piece, but chair yoga, or yogalates.
Good luck
0
Hi Kelly,thanks for your answer. The classes we run are designed for individuals with balance issues so there is always a continuum set up by the physical therapist.
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Ariadne, Thanks for your response...yes, you are correct. Currently we are using a clinical approach in class as designed by our staff PT. There are stations with different education components and challenges which is great but we don't have enough staff available to guard each station.
Several individuals need a gait belt.
We have a PT intern who thankfully helps out me and our PT by gathering all the equipment and stages it as I finish up a class.
I've experienced MELT and you're right, our Wellness Center run through the hospital would be a good place to provide that modality.
Several individuals need a gait belt.
We have a PT intern who thankfully helps out me and our PT by gathering all the equipment and stages it as I finish up a class.
I've experienced MELT and you're right, our Wellness Center run through the hospital would be a good place to provide that modality.
0
Yes, Janelle, we progress with each participant; one size doesn't fit all! They all enjoy the seated group exercise warm-up using balls and body weight. We can assess their strength and energy during that time without them realizing it ;-)
