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, April 26 in Kamloops. 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.

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

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 behavior
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Level 1 will be completed online, and access will be provided after registration closes.

Level 2:
Level 2 is an immersive, 8-hour, in-person course designed to build on the theory covered in Level 1. This fast-paced and practical workshop focuses on developing transferable skills in clinical reasoning and effective coaching, tailored for working with individuals living with Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Participants will engage in hands-on learning with live clients, including assessment and treatment planning, ensuring they leave equipped to confidently apply the core principles of this neuro-active exercise approach. Additionally, participants will both lead and participate in a PD Warrior circuit class to solidify practical skills.

Active participation is a key component of this workshop. Please come dressed and prepared to exercise vigorously! If you have any injuries or limitations, kindly inform your trainer on the day of the course. As you’ll be working with live clients, professionalism, sensitivity, and confidentiality are essential throughout the session.

Instructor: Shelly Yu — PSBC neuro-physiotherapist and Level 5 PD Warrior trainer
Shelly Yu is the Society’s physiotherapist, leading Parkinson’s provincial exercise programs and spearheading educational outreach initiatives across British Columbia. With a wealth of experience from her work in the United Kingdom as a specialist neurological physiotherapist, Shelly has contributed to various clinics, including spasticity and dystonia, facial rehabilitation, hand therapy, vestibular care, and movement disorders.

A licensed PD Warrior clinician and Level 5 PD Warrior trainer, Shelly is deeply committed to empowering individuals with Parkinson’s disease. Beyond her role with the Society, she serves as the lead physiotherapist at a private neurological rehabilitation clinic and contributes her expertise as a member of the Steering Committee for the Parkinson’s Ready Program through the World Parkinson’s Coalition.

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.