Webinar: Effectiveness of a Specialized Parkinson’s Group Exercise Class
This webinar highlights the effectiveness of a specialized Parkinson's group exercise program combining Rock Steady Boxing and strength training. Results from a pilot study demonstrated improvements in functional mobility, including a 14% decrease in TUG times and a 13.9% increase in sit-to-stand scores. The session will cover program design, outcome tracking, and adherence strategies to help medical fitness professionals implement evidence-based interventions that improve mobility and quality of life in individuals with Parkinson's disease.
Learning Objectives:
1. Describe the functional and clinical challenges faced by individuals with Parkinson's Disease (PD) and explain how group-based programs, like Rock Steady Boxing (RSB), can support functional mobility and quality of life.
2. Interpret pilot data demonstrating the impact of RSB on Sit to Stand performance, TUG times, and adherence rates to highlight the relationship between consistency and functional training.
3. Identify key components and implementation strategies for developing and sustaining a Parkinson's specific group fitness program within a medical fitness facility, including considerations for progression, safety, and participant engagement.
Speakers:
Cassandra Anderson, Exercise Physiologist at ECU Health Wellness Center
Kiara Robins, Supervisor of Exercise Programs at ECU Health Wellness Center
Cassandra Anderson is an Exercise Physiologist at ECU Health Wellness Center and an Adjunct Instructor at Barton College, where they teach undergraduate and graduate courses in exercise testing and prescription. Cassandra specializes in working with individuals with Parkinson's disease and leads Rock Steady Boxing classes, applying evidence-based exercise to improve functional outcomes and quality of life. Cassandra is currently pursuing a PhD in Kinesiology with a research focus on barriers to exercise and program efficiency in neurodegenerative populations.
Kiara Robins is the Supervisor of Exercise Programs at ECU Health Wellness Center. She has a Master's and Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology with an Exercise Physiology concentration and is currently a doctorate student at Concordia University. Kiara has also completed a certificate in professional communication. She has worked in cardiac rehab, physical therapy, and human performance lab settings. Her certifications include ACSM Clinical Exercise Physiology, ACE Personal Training, ACE Group Fitness, Rock Steady Boxing Head Coach, EIM Level 3, Zumba, Zumba Kids and Kids Jr.