Otago

THE OTAGO EXERCISE PROGRAMME LEADERS AWARD
A TRAINING COURSE AND QUALIFICATION FOR HEALTH AND EXERCISE PROFESSIONALS IN THE DELIVERY OF THE EVIDENCE BASED OTAGO STRENGTH AND BALANCE EXERCISE PROGRAMME FOR FRAILER OLDER PEOPLE
A collaboration with Professor John Campbell and Dr Clare Robertson of Otago University, New Zealand and with Julie Whitney of Kings College Hospital Trust, London, UK. The OTAGO EXERCISE PROGRAMME (OEP) has been shown to reduce falls in four published randomised controlled trials.
ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES Physiotherapists and in particular physiotherapy assistants and technical assistants supervised by physiotherapists. Occupational therapists and in particular rehabilitation assistants supervised by occupational therapists and/or physiotherapists Nurses working with/under the supervision of a physiotherapist Social care workers delivering one to one home exercise, only if under the supervision of a physiotherapist as part of an LLT-evaluated programme Qualified Chair Based Exercise leaders with a minimum of 6 months experience (eg. health care assistants and or social care assistants and/or level 2 exercise instructors) Qualified Exercise for the Older Person Level 3 Advanced Instructors Postural Stability Instructors interested in updating their CPD or in a supervisory role with OEP Leaders
Duration of the Course The course runs over 4 full days (9 am - 5 pm). 3 course days followed by 1 day assessment. This course runs over a minimum of 4 weeks to allow task oriented practice before the assessment. Resources Each candidate receives a copy of the original OTAGO Exercise Programme Manual from New Zealand and a “How to Lead” Manual developed by Later Life Training. Content The Course consists of the original 22 OTAGO Exercise Programme exercises, designed to prevent falls and improve balance, strength and confidence, that made up the original OTAGO Exercise Programme home exercise study design. There are some additional warm up and cool down exercises to ensure current international guidelines are followed. The specific order and progressions for each exercise is predetermined for OEP Leaders by LLT. Underpinning knowledge covers the rate of ageing and falls in the ageing population and the effects of physical activity on health, physical performance, movement control, confidence and quality of life in old age; in addition the course also covers the international recommendations for adaptation of exercise for older adults and for specific medical conditions associated with ageing. Candidates will learn the key exercise leading competencies and will practice leading the OTAGO exercises under the guidance of highly skilled tutor; exercise technique, safety and communication skills are emphasised.
These courses are run nationally, according to need. Candidates can either enrol on an individual basis or can be enrolled by a “Host Organiser” in a local area.
Certification Successful candidates will receive a Later Life Training Qualification Certificate (OTAGO Exercise Programme Leaders Award). The qualification carries 16 REPs points Level of Certification The qualification has been aligned with NVQ Level 2 in Care and Level 2 in Exercise and Fitness. The course will provide evidence which can be used towards specific units of NVQs but will not in itself cover the full range of an NVQ unit. Attendance Only certificates will be given as appropriate. The course is both internally and externally verified by the University of Derby and Leicester College. LLT is currently working with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists (CSP) to ensure CSP endorsement for all successful candidates of this course. Using the Qualification It is anticipated that successful candidates will deliver sessions either working within the therapies in a hospital based programme or leading falls and injury prevention sessions in community settings as part of a local health improvement plan or onward referral from the Falls or Care of the Elderly rehabilitation setting. Guidance and Professional Progress Successful candidates will be supported through a customised annual CPD Programme and online resources including tutor guidance and peer support Noticeboard.
OTAGO COURSE DATES
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HOW TO APPLY
Click Here for Flyer Click Here for Application Form Click Here for a published article on OEP Leaders
	Click here to download a blank session plan for assessments
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Later Life Training -Course Details - Otago