Parkinson’s NSW has launched Module 3 of its Parkinson’s online education series.  

Module 3 – Exercise is designed to help exercise professionals to explain the evidence and benefits of exercise for someone living with Parkinson’s.  

It will educate trainers, physiotherapists and exercise physiologists on planning and supporting the implementation of quality, balanced exercise regimes tailored to each person with Parkinson’s goals, impairments and personal motivations.   

The professionals who complete this module will then be able to discuss the impact of motor and non-motor impairments and activity limitations with their clients – along with co-morbidities, personal goals and preferences, disease stage, fall history, and medications.  

The module was developed with the guidance of the Education Advisory Subgroup which includes physiotherapists Associate Professor Natalie Allen, Emeritus Professor Colleen Canning and Andrew Han, along with Nate Lum, an exercise physiologist.  

The first of the education modules in this series was launched in 2022. Module 1 is an Introduction to Parkinson’s which provides a greater understanding of the nature of Parkinson’s, its symptoms, and some of the ways you can help to improve the quality of life of a person living with Parkinson’s.  

Module 2 was launched in 2023. It is about Best Care Practices for Parkinson’s for health professionals – particularly those working in the Aged Care sector.   

“Each of these modules addresses key management strategies for Parkinson’s disease,” said Mary Kay Walker, CEO of Parkinson’s NSW.

“This includes being familiar with the full range of physical and cognitive symptoms, understanding the importance of administering medication on time and every time, and that correctly prescribing vigorous, tailored exercise is also a form of medication for this degenerative condition.”

The learning modules were developed by Cognition Evolve which has expertise in innovative digital learning solutions. The modules are published on the Litmos platform – thus making them accessible to health professionals.   

Find out more about Parkinson’s NSW online learning modules here.