- My classes and programs incorporate recommendations of professional medical organizations that work on fall prevention intervention for older adults. My function may be as group leader or group designer for fall prevention for "under-active" older adults. I can work with or teach other rehab therapists how to conduct the classes themselves. Classes for older adults may be live or virtual. I adapted my group exercise program to virtual or online, in response to Covid-19 epidemic. I am amazed at the overwhelmingly positive response and the participants' eagerness and ability to use computers, pads, and smart phones to attend my classes. My current online class is called "Get Your Zoom On."
Basic principles and guidelines to effectively work with live groups.
Additional principles and guidelines to work with virtual (online) groups.
1. Email reminders with link on day before and on class day.
2. Warm-up, wake up, breath, posture using meditative music.
3. Aerobic exercises with small hand weights sitting and standing.
4. Resistance strength training using exercise bands.
5. Follow the leader free dancing using upbeat music.
- Using group dynamics to allow participants to inspire, encourage and support each other.
- Everyone doesn’t have to be fully challenged all the time. We are promoting the joy and benefits of exercise.
- Safety is paramount. No falls. No injuries.
- Each participant needs a basic evaluation a head of time, including a medical clearance from their physician. (see below) Examples of assessment: Questionnaire about pain BPI-SF. Timed up and Go (TUG). 30 second Sit to Stand. Doctor’s release for exercising.
- Size of group is very important. Too small and you lose some of the benefits of the positive group support dynamics, likewise if the group is too big. But more concerning is risk of not being able to keep all participants safe, if the group is too large. Important factors are: the size of the room, skill level of participants, and number of assistants present.
- Group size should allow for each participant to be able to sit in the circle, in a chair. Face into the center. And have room to move arms to their sides without running into other participants.
Additional principles and guidelines to work with virtual (online) groups.
1. Email reminders with link on day before and on class day.
2. Warm-up, wake up, breath, posture using meditative music.
3. Aerobic exercises with small hand weights sitting and standing.
4. Resistance strength training using exercise bands.
5. Follow the leader free dancing using upbeat music.