Exercise Education Accreditation Recognition

The Parkinson’s Foundation Exercise Education Accreditation Recognition Program aims to acknowledge Parkinson’s-specific Exercise Education Programs and Continuing Education Courses (“Exercise Education Provider”) that:

1. Provide instruction and training to participants in acquiring specific knowledge, skills, and/or competencies associated with intended learning outcomes.
2. Evaluate participants’ acquisition of the intended learning outcomes by showing some demonstration of learning.

Exercise Education Providers may identify as one of the following:

• Exercise Education Program - A comprehensive program that provides and assesses knowledge and skill acquisition, allowing participants to become certified exercise professionals of their program. Participants are assessed on an on-going basis to maintain certification. Programs can also fulfill a continuing education requirement for a NCAA-accredited exercise professional. Type of modality may differ from program to program (for example, group fitness, one-on-one training, yoga, dance, aquatics, Pilates, among others).

• Continuing Education Course - This refers to a course that meets the requirements of aligning their curriculum around the majority of the competency standards set forth by the Parkinson’s Foundation. Courses provide knowledge related to a particular competency standard. These courses fulfill a continuing education requirement for a certified exercise professional — attendees do not receive a certification or title upon completion. Type of modality may differ from course to course (i.e., group fitness, one-on-one training, yoga, dance, aquatics, Pilates, etc.).

If the Exercise Education Provider accepts participants with varied backgrounds, they should ensure that their curriculum helps all participants to achieve that outcome.

As an Exercise Education Provider, identify whether your goal is to educate exercise professionals to be competent to work with:

• An individual with PD (for example, one-on-one training)
• Group of individuals with PD
• Both: individuals and groups of individuals with PD

Each Exercise Education Provider (exercise education programs or continuing education (CE) course) is unique and has their own style and brand. While some Exercise Education Providers offer certificates in how to complete a branded, community-based exercise protocol, others serve as a CE provider for exercise professionals and/or licensed healthcare providers. In addition, the educational background and training of the participants who are eligible to participate in each Exercise Education Provider’s program/CE course can differ greatly within the exercise professional domain.

We recommend that each provider do the following activities to achieve recognition as a Parkinson's Foundation Exercise Education Accredited Provider:

• State eligibility criteria for attending the program/course and document participants’ credentials and prerequisites. A current exercise professional certification accredited by the NCCA or ISO 17024, or a current license as a healthcare provider, but each education program/course may set their own requirements.
• Educate all participants on the varied professional roles of an exercise professional, including the different domains of expertise, so that all participants leave the program/course with an understanding of their individual scope of practice. For example, help physical therapists (or other medical professionals) assess their knowledge (such as group exercise pedagogy) compared to certified personal trainers and group fitness/exercise instructors. Similarly, ensure that certified personal trainers and group fitness/exercise instructors understand when they should refer to a physical therapist or other health professional.
• Emphasize the importance of working within one’s scope of practice, as well as working together with members of the interprofessional team. This improves access to high quality individual and group exercise training options for people with Parkinson’s.

The following descriptions of exercise professionals outline the various roles and associated training.

Exercise Professional Certifications without Degree Requirements

• Certified Personal Trainer: Exercise professionals who have demonstrated professional competence to design and implement exercise programs in one-on-one and small group settings with individuals who are apparently healthy or have medical clearance to exercise.

• Certified Group Fitness/Exercise Instructor: Exercise professionals who have demonstrated professional competence to design group fitness classes and teach, lead, and motivate groups of individuals who are apparently healthy or have medical clearance to exercise through intentionally designed exercise classes.

• Yoga, Dance, Pilates, Aquatics Instructor: Professionals who may not have a certification as a personal trainer, group fitness or exercise instructor, but have demonstrated competence within their discipline and have acquired certification or specialized training from a credentialed organization or educational institution.

Exercise Professional Certifications with Degree Requirements

• Certified Strength Coach/Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach: Advanced exercise professionals who have demonstrated professional competence to design and implement exercise programs for athletes with the specific goal of improving athletic performance. Strength coach certifications typically require a bachelor’s degree in exercise science or a related field.

• Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist/Certified Medical Exercise Specialist: Advanced exercise professionals who have demonstrated the professional competence to design and implement exercise prescriptions and basic fitness-related health behavior change strategies for individuals who have chronic diseases/conditions, as well as individuals who are at risk for or are recovering from a variety of cardiorespiratory, metabolic, and musculoskeletal diseases and disorders. These advanced certifications require a bachelor’s degree or higher in exercise science or a related field and minimum requirements (500 to 1,200 hours) for specified hours of practice.

• Physical Therapist: Licensed healthcare professionals who diagnose and treat individuals with medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities. They aim to optimize movement and quality of life through prescribed exercise, hands-on care, and education. They are required to hold a license in the state in which they practice, which requires them to have successfully completed a degree program (entry-level doctorate), a licensure exam, and in most states, a certain amount of continuing education (CE) courses every few years. There are optional board certifications, such as a neurologic physical therapy clinical specialty, but none are specific to PD. They may participate in treatment-specific courses on particular exercise approaches for people with Parkinson’s.

• Other Health Professionals: Other health professionals who have an interest in exercise for people with Parkinson’s may want to participate in exercise educational programs. These may include physicians, advanced practice nurses, physician assistants, nurses, occupational therapists, and speech language pathologists. In addition, health professional students or other exercise science students may also participate in exercise educational programs. Programs that accept the responsibility of training these professionals should ensure they meet the same competency requirements of those with backgrounds.

Educational Needs of Each Group: The education provider will need to document how they assist every category of exercise professional to meet the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other attributes required to achieve competence.

• Exercise Professionals: Certified personal trainers and group fitness/exercise/dance/yoga/Pilates instructors participating in education programs/courses will need to acquire PD-specific knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) in all four exercise areas highlighted by the Parkinson’s Foundation Exercise Guidelines (i.e., Aerobic, Strength, Flexibility, and Balance, Agility, & Multi-Tasking). If this group is required to have an NCCA (or other third-party) accredited certification, they will already have the basic KSAs for the apparently healthy population and simply need to build on this foundational training to add KSAs specific to the Parkinson’s population.

• Physical Therapists: Physical therapists participating in education programs/courses may be seeking PD-specific knowledge if their clinical experience is not in this area. They may also need to acquire PD-specific knowledge and skills in the exercise areas highlighted by the Parkinson’s Foundation Exercise Guidelines (i.e., Aerobic, Strength, Flexibility, and Balance, Agility, & Multi-Tasking); although, they are likely to have some knowledge in these areas prior to training. They may also require additional training on group exercise pedagogy.

• Other licensed medical professionals (physicians, nurses, OTs, etc.): Unless possessing other qualifications, they may or may not possess the competencies for PD-specific knowledge, the four exercise domains, or general exercise knowledge.

Example Scenarios

1. If the education program/course curriculum focuses on group exercise, it is necessary to show how certified personal trainers, physical therapists, physicians, occupational therapists, etc. can learn and become competent in best practices about the unique requirements of the class setting (for example, safety, formatting, cueing, intake, modifications, transitions).
2. If the education program/course curriculum focuses on one-on-one exercise, it is necessary to show how a group exercise instructor can learn and become competent on best practices about the requirements of a one-on-one setting, which may include an assessment, safety, formatting, cueing, progression.
3. If the education program/course curriculum focuses on both group and one-on-one exercise, it is necessary to show and explain how it brings each professional to the same level of competence.

There are many types of exercise professionals, each with their own requirements to obtain and maintain certification. It is incumbent on the education provider to know the differences between the professionals, and it is the responsibility of the education provider to create an objective and inclusive program to ensure optimal outcomes.

It is free to apply for accreditation. A selection committee comprised of subject matter experts, peers, and Parkinson’s Foundation staff reviews applications based on four criteria:

1. Design of the program/course

2. Curriculum

3. Instructional strategies on delivery methods

4. Assessment and skill verification

The criteria for Exercise Education Program and Course accreditation is based on the inclusion of five domains of competencies:

1. Parkinson’s Disease: Foundational Information on the Diagnosis, Treatment, and the Role of Exercise

2. Screening for People with Parkinson’s Disease to Participate in Exercise

3. Group/Individual Exercise Design for People with Parkinson’s Disease

4. Exercise Leadership for People with Parkinson’s Disease: Human Behavior and Counseling

5. Interprofessional Communication and Program Development

Depending on the program or course, not all competencies may meet 100% alignment. Exercise Education Providers will have an opportunity to list the domains (in full or in part) that were included or excluded in their curriculum.

Applications open October 31.

Parkinson’s Foundation accreditations are valid for three years.

• Featured on the Parkinson’s Foundation website, with over 7 million views a year, providers will be listed as a Parkinson’s Foundation Exercise Education Accredited Program/Continuing Education Course.

• Ongoing Collaborative Support: Accredited Education Providers are invited to biannual meetings to share best practices, challenges, and ideas to guide and inspire each other.

• Access to Parkinson’s Foundation resources and bulk ordering.

• Special Promotional Materials: Promote your accreditation with the Parkinson’s Foundation Accreditation Badge and Certificate of Accreditation.

• Boost your recognition locally. Be our first-choice exercise provider to lead movement breaks at local Parkinson’s Foundation Community Education Programs. Accredited providers are eligible for an in-kind table or to receive a 10% discount on sponsorship opportunities at Programs.

• Amplify your impact. Be one of our go-to exercise providers at one of our Moving Day events that take place around the U.S. and help energize participants. In addition, receive a 10% discount on sponsorship and form a team to further enhance our collective efforts in improving the lives of people with PD.

As a Parkinson’s Foundation Accredited Exercise Education Provider, you are required to meet the following expectations for the duration of your three-year term:

• Complete an online check-in report twice per year.

• Attend biannual virtual meetings with the other Accredited Exercise Education Providers. Dates will be selected at the beginning of each year.

• Distribute the Parkinson’s Foundation Exercise Professional Survey (via link) to all participants prior to completion of the program/course.

  • The Parkinson’s Foundation will send a 3-month follow-up survey to all participants to measure reach, confidence, and impact.

• Use the Parkinson’s Foundation Exercise Accreditation Badge in virtual and printed materials, including national and international presentations, to support accreditation recognition.

• Adhere to the Criteria for Exercise Education Programs & Courses, Competency Framework for Exercise Professionals, and Parkinson’s Exercise Recommendations.

• Utilize Parkinson’s Foundation resources as part of your curricula.

• Headline one month of Fitness Fridays virtual exercise events, which includes four Fridays within one month of the three-year term. Three sessions will be pre-recorded, and one will be live.

• Review and sign Terms and Conditions agreement upon accreditation acceptance.

Application Opens: October 31, 2024
Application Closes: December 15, 2024
Education Providers Notified of Acceptance: February 19, 2025
Parkinson’s Foundation Announcement: March 4, 2025

Term: March 2025 – February 2028

The application is based on alignment of curriculum to the Parkinson’s Foundation Criteria for Exercise Education Programs and Courses.

Be prepared to provide evidence as to which criteria your curriculum adheres to. Your program or CE course should be transparent as to which of the criteria is/are covered in the curricula. It is not mandatory to align with each criterion to become an Parkinson’s Foundation Accredited Exercise Education Provider, but exercise professionals should be aware of the depth and breadth of the education prior to enrolling in your program/CE course. Identify what the exercise professional will gain at the end of the program/CE course (for example, a certificate of completion, CE credits, certification).

Estimated Time: 45 minutes (not including time to prepare documents)
You can SAVE and CONTINUE the application at any time.

You will need to create an account in the application portal using an email address and password.
Be prepared to provide the following:

1. General Information
   1. Name of Education Provider
   2. Name of Education Program or CE Course
   3. Program/ CE Course Designation
   4. Contact Information
   5. Logo
   6. Comprehensive and Brief Program/Course Description
2. Details About Your Learners and Logistics
   1. Type of Exercise Professional Targeted/Accepted
   2. Synchronous/Asynchronous/Hybrid/In-person/Online
   3. CEUs Offered
   4. Frequency of Program
   5. Cost
   6. Program/Course Benefit: If learners receive a certification, how long is their certification in good-standing? How do they renew?
3. Evidence to Meet Accreditation Standards
   1. For each of the accreditation standards, you will be asked to provide a narrative or upload documentation (such as an agenda, PPTs, faculty list, quiz) of how your curriculum complies with each standard.
   2. We recognize that not every program/course will cover all five domains listed below. Shorter programs/courses may choose to emphasize 1-2 domains only. However, all programs/courses should acknowledge to their learners that there are five domains and only 1-2 are being covered by that program’s/course’s content. (In other words, be clear that it is not a full comprehensive program/course if less than 5 domains are covered and share what information they should seek to learn elsewhere).

In your application, identify how your program/course meets the following criteria:

1. Education design describes the intended purpose of the program/course, target population, and qualifications of program instructor(s).
   1. What is the purpose, mission/vision, and background for the program/course?
   2. Who is the target population for the program/course? What is your anticipated reach?
   3. What are the qualifications and experience of the instructor(s) for the program/course?
2. Curriculum for the program/course significantly aligns with the Parkinson’s Foundation Criteria & Competencies.
   1. How do the Criteria & Competencies incorporate into your program’s/course’s curriculum?
   2. What is the level of emphasis of the Criteria & Competencies noted here in your program’s/course’s curriculum? If there were gaps in aligning to competencies, what were they and how did they change? Please provide an example.
3. Instructional strategies or delivery methods are designed to effectively transfer knowledge and skills to participants in a program/course.
   1. What instructional approaches or strategies are used to deliver the curriculum?
   2. How will you address remediation with an individual who does not pass your assessment?
4. Assessment or skill verification is designed to evaluate whether participants have achieved program/course learning objectives.
   1. How are program/course participants assessed regarding their acquisition of knowledge and skills from the education (informal and formal assessments)?
      1. Parkinson’s Disease: Foundational Information on the Diagnosis, Treatment, and the Role of Exercise
      2. Screening for People with Parkinson’s Disease to Participate in Exercise
      3. Group/Individual Exercise Design for People with Parkinson’s Disease
      4. Exercise Leadership for People with Parkinson’s Disease: Human Behavior and Counseling
      5. Interprofessional Communication and Program Development
5. Instructional strategies or delivery methods are designed to effectively transfer knowledge and skills to participants in a program/course.
   1. What instructional approaches or strategies are used to deliver the curriculum?
   2. How will you address remediation with an individual who does not pass your assessments?
6. Assessment or skill verification is designed to evaluate whether participants have achieved program/course learning objectives.
   1. How are program/course participants assessed regarding their acquisition of knowledge and skills from the education (informal and formal assessments)?

Download Competency Framework

Download Criteria