PD Warrior is an evidence-based, neuro-active exercise approach designed to improve function, quality of life, and long-term exercise behavior in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). It was created in Australia by Specialist Neurological Physiotherapist, Dr. Melissa McConaghy. Parkinson Society BC (PSBC) is excited to offer the PD Warrior Level 1 and Level 2 course bundle, with Level 2 taking place in-person on Saturday, October 3 in Nanaimo. The bundle is regularly priced at $749; however, PSBC will heavily subsidize the course to increase the number of exercise professionals with Parkinson-specific training in the community. Lunch will be provided along with coffee and snacks throughout the day. Please send any dietary restrictions to syu@parkinson.bc.ca.

Who the Course is For
The PD Warrior course is open to all physiotherapists, occupational therapists, kinesiologists, and exercise professionals. New graduates are also welcome.

Level 1
Level 1 is an online theory course (~15 hours) that is a pre-requisite for the in-person Level 2 workshop. The course will give you the foundation to apply the core concepts of this intensive and neuro-active exercise approach immediately to your sessions and will cover:

• The latest evidence underpinning intensive and neuro-active exercise prescription
• The pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease
• How to tailor exercise effectively for the three different types of Parkinson’s
• The seven core principles of neuroplasticity and how to implement them effectively
• How to create an enriched and motivating exercise environment
• How to empower your clients and create long-term exercise behaviour change

Level 2
Level 2 is an eight-hour, in-person, practical course to help consolidate the theory learned in Level 1. It will also offer transferable skills in clinical reasoning and effective coaching that can be used with all clients with Parkinson’s disease. The Level 2 workshop is fast-paced and entirely practical. You will get the opportunity to work with live clients with PD, and go through assessment and treatment planning, to ensure you can confidently apply the core concepts of this neuro-active exercise approach immediately. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to participate and run a PD Warrior circuit class to consolidate your practical skills. You are expected to participate in this practical workshop and should come dressed and prepared to exercise HARD! If you have any injuries or restrictions on exercise, please advise your trainer on the day of the workshop. As you will be working with live clients, sensitivity and confidentiality are expected.

Instructor
Shelly Yu PT, DPT — PSBC Physiotherapist and Level 5 PD Warrior trainer
Shelly Yu is PSBC’s physiotherapist and leads the Parkinson’s provincial exercise programs as well as education development out-reach throughout BC. She comes from a background of working with the Parkinson’s community in the United Kingdom as a Specialist Neurological Physiotherapist, where she worked in various clinics, including spasticity and dystonia, facial rehab, hand, vestibular, and movement disorder clinics. Shelly is a licensed PD Warrior clinician and a level 5 PD Warrior trainer. Outside of her work with PSBC, she is the lead physiotherapist at a private neurological rehab clinic and is on the Steering Committee for the Parkinson’s Ready Program through World Parkinson’s Coalition.

More Information
To learn more about PD Warrior, please visit: https://pdwarrior.com/

Dates and Location
Level 1 will be completed online, and access will be provided after registration closes. The Level 2 in-person workshop will be held:

• Date: Saturday, October 3
• Time: 9:00am – 4:30pm PT
• Location: Bowen Park Clubhouse, 500 Bowen Road, Nanaimo, BC V9R 1Z7 [map]. Parking on site.
• Capacity: 15 registrants
• Fees: Parkinson Society BC (PSBC) will heavily subsidize the fees for this course (Level 1 + 2 bundle is normally priced at $749). Fees paid are non-refundable.
  • Before September 3 – Early Bird Registration. Cost is $275 and is non-refundable.
  • Beginning September 4 until September 18 at 12:00pm PT – Regular Registration. Cost is $325 and is non-refundable
  • Additional: Lunch will be provided along with coffee and snacks throughout the day.