PD ExpertBriefing: Gait, Balance and Falls in Parkinson's Disease

Presented on January 15, 2013
Led by Terry Ellis, P.T., Ph.D., N.C.S.
Guest host Becky G. Farley, Ph.D., M.S., P.T.

Falls are a risk for many people with Parkinson's who experience trouble with gait, yet they can be prevented. What practical strategies can you use to understand falls and prevent them from happening to you, a loved one or a patient? Find out by joining PDF and Dr. Ellis for a one-hour PD ExpertBriefing discussing the topic.

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Goals for Participants:

• Gain a better understanding of the nature of walking and balance problems experienced by people living with Parkinson's disease.
• Learn about the research that demonstrates the benefits of rehabilitation and exercise to improve walking and balance in Parkinson’s disease.
• Learn practical strategies to help improve walking and reduce fall risk as it applies to you, or a loved one or a patient living with Parkinson's disease.

Faculty:

Terry Ellis, P.T., Ph.D., N.C.S.

Dr. Ellis is Clinical Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training at Boston University’s College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences: Sargent College, in Boston, MA. Dr. Ellis is also the Co-Director of the Center for Neurorehabilitation at Boston University and directs the American Parkinson Disease Association’s National Rehabilitation Resource Center housed at Boston University.

Dr. Ellis, a Board certified specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy, conducts research and provides clinical consultations and education to healthcare professionals and to people living with neurological disorders, including Parkinson's disease. She is the author of numerous peer-reviewed articles, with her research focusing on investigating the effects of exercise and rehabilitation on reducing disability and enhancing quality of life in persons with Parkinson's. 

She lectures nationally in the area of rehabilitation and Parkinson’s disease. She is a co-author of the “BE ACTIVE” exercise manual published by the American Parkinson Disease Association and has developed evidence-based community based wellness programs and an inpatient rehabilitation program for people with Parkinson’s disease. Dr. Ellis also served on the faculty for, Parkinson’s Disease: A Practical Approach to Evaluation & Treatment for the Physical Therapist, a PDF-led online course designed by expert physical therapists in the field of Parkinson’s disease to help other physical therapists better understand how to evaluate, treat, and deliver comprehensive care to people living with Parkinson’s.

Dr. Ellis has Ph.D., in Behavioral Neurosciences from Boston University School of Medicine.

Guest Host: Becky G. Farley, Ph.D., M.S., P.T.

Becky G. Farley, Ph.D., M.S., P.T., is a physical therapist with over 30 years of experience in neurorehabilitation and is the CEO and Founder of the nonprofit NeuroFit Networks.   She also holds a research appointment in the Department of Physiology at the University of Arizona. 

While completing her Ph.D., in neuroscience at the University of Arizona, Dr. Farley developed LSVT® BIG as an exercise approach to target whole body bradykinesia for people with Parkinson’s and completed an NIH-funded randomized clinical trial documenting its short-term efficacy (three-months).  Since 2007, she has trained over 5,000 clinicians in the LSVT® BIG protocol and published many peer-reviewed articles and book chapters on exercise and Parkinson disease. 

Questions?

If you have questions about how to join this PD ExpertBriefing, by phone or online, please see our PD ExpertBriefing FAQ. 

Are you a health care professional seeking CEUs for this PD ExpertBriefing? The CEU application is now closed. CEUs are managed through PDF's sponsorship of the American Society on Aging. Participants have until 30 days after the event to complete the hour long PD ExpertBriefing and your CEUs survey. If you have questions about your CEUs please contact ASA at (415) 974-9628.

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