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, 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, August 24 in Prince George. The bundle is regularly priced at $749; however, PSBC will be heavily subsidizing the course to increase the number of exercise professionals with Parkinson-specific training in the community. 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, Physiotherapist and Level 5 PD Warrior trainer
Shelly Yu is PSBC’s neurophysiotherapist and is the lead on Parkinson’s provincial exercise programs. 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 the Advocacy Officer of the Global Health Division at the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. If you have any questions, please contact Shelly Yu at 604-662-3240 ext. 232 or 1-800-668-3330 ext. 232 or by email.
To learn more about PD Warrior, please visit https://pdwarrior.com.
Registration for this event will close on August 10 at noon PT. Registration in previous years has been competitive, please register early to avoid disappointment.
A minimum of 10 registrants is required for the event to proceed.
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Parkinson Society BC appreciates all gifts, as they allow us to continue to offer programs people with Parkinson's disease and their carepartners rely on. If you wish, you can make a donation by entering an amount in the Additional Donation field. |
Please note: Level 1 will be completed online, and access will be provided after you register. The Level 2 in-person workshop details are provided above.