Course Instructor

Ms. Carleen Lindsey, PT, MscAH, GCS is a board-certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist with degrees in Physical Education and Physical Therapy from the University of California, and an advanced musculoskeletal Masters in Allied Health from the University of Connecticut.  She treats an outpatient and homecare caseload composed of geriatric musculoskeletal, osteoporosis, balance and womens health patients at Physical Therapy and Massage of CT and also Golds Gym in Bristol, CT. She also has many years of experience treating patients in ECF, SNF, acute inpatient and senior day care settings. She also has many years of experience as adjunct instructor in the Physical Therapy program at the University of Connecticut.

She has participated in research and publications on osteoporosis and balance issues in the elderly, authored an instructional video on flexible curve kypholordosis documentation, produced three patient home exercise videos and presented numerous lectures and courses to professional and lay audiences locally and nationally over the past 25 years. She was the primary developer of the UCHC Rehab Services Osteoporosis Prevention Program.

In addition to her clinical work, Carleen has been co-chair for the National Osteoporosis Foundations Committee on Continuing Education for Physical Therapists, and for the APTA Geriatrics Section Balance and Falls Special Interest Group. She is a member of the APTA Connecticut chapter, Womens Health, Geriatric, Orthopaedic and Private Practice sections as well as the Balance and Falls and Osteoporosis Special Interest Groups for which she is currently chair. She was the 1999 winner of the APTA Section on Geriatrics Lynn Phillippi Advocacy for Older Adults Award, received the University of CT Allied Health Research Award for Excellence in 2001 and the 2008 APTA SOG Presidents Award for Outstanding Service.

Geriatric Exercise - Principles and Practice for Optimal Function

This intermediate level course presents a comprehensive overview of geriatric exercise principles, including detailed information on differential diagnosis, and practice patterns pertaining to most geriatric syndromes that respond to a therapeutic exercise program.

Examination and evaluative procedures applicable for treating a patient without referral are included for each area of physical therapy practice, as needed in the direct access environment. Topics include: age-related musculoskeletal, trunk and lower extremity posture issues, gait and foot considerations, cardiovascular, pulmonary, cognitive and neurological dysfunctions, and a review of each major joint with problems and solutions addressed.

Exercise approaches for common age-related syndromes such as osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, and stroke, Parkinsons disease, balance disorders, bladder dysfunction and peripheral neuropathy are addressed. The course is constructed on a guideline based model, with protocols for differential diagnosis as well as specifics on timelines and precautions. Techniques taught and practiced include postural and aerobic exercise, resistive and aerobic training, safe stretching, gait training, PNF, triplanar functional exercise, and manual therapy with contract/relax.

Evidence for efficacy of techniques is presented in the form of scientific literature references as well as slide and video patient case studies. The course manual includes a full set of ready for clinic exercise sheets, in addition to lecture notes and bibliography. This course are applicable for the therapist treating a patient without referral.

Category: Geriatric Exercise Course, physical therapy continuing education course, occupational therapy continuing education course


  • Understand evidence-based rationale for physical changes with aging.
  • Evaluate the effects of common drugs on geriatric exercise clients.
  • Choose specific evaluation tools for common problems associated with aging.
  • Design a wide variety of resistive exercise interventions for geriatric clients.
  • Create appropriate exercise interventions for impaired trunk posture.
  • Treat gait and mass movement impairments with PNF techniques.
  • Teach an osteoporosis dance, Tai Chi Walk, and tri-planar exercise for balance and coordination problems.
  • Apply resistive and aerobic training principles to both orthopaedic and neurologically impaired patients.
  • Correct kyphosis with forward head using mobilization with exercise.
  • Apply diagnosis-specific protocols when designing geriatric exercise interventions.


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    Geriatric Exercise - Principles and Practice for Optimal Function



    Start DateEnd DateLocation - **Click to Map It**TuitionHrsHotelRegister
    Mar 10, 12Mar 11, 12Aurora Medical Center Kenosha

    Kenosha, WI

    		$425.0015.00View HotelsRegister
    Apr 14, 12Apr 15, 12Jefferson University Hospital-Methodist

    Philadelphia, PA

    		$425.0015.00View HotelsRegister
    Sep 15, 12Sep 16, 12Tri-City Wellness Center

    Carlsbad, CA

    		$425.0015.00View HotelsRegister
    Oct 27, 12Oct 28, 12Multicare Health System

    Tacoma, WA

    		$425.0015.00View HotelsRegister
    Nov 10, 12Nov 11, 12Elliot Hospital

    Manchester, NH

    		$425.0015.00View HotelsRegister

    All courses are pre-approved by the state licensing boards for physical therapist and occupational therapist license renewal in the state the course is offered. For additional inquiry regarding approval in a particular state contact us


    North American Seminars Inc. 1-800-300-5512 - physical therapy continuing education courses and occupational therapy continuing education courses

    The medical content of this page was contributed by Carleen Lindsey, PT, MscAH, GCS, CEEAA. This page was updated on January 24 2012

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