Course Description:

An article published in October 2016 in the American Heart Association journal Circulation set off a media frenzy because it proposed making cardiovascular fitness (CFR) the 6th vital sign. The evidence presented was compelling and recognizing physical fitness as a vital sign would be a huge step in the right direction. However, the definition of physical fitness needs to be expanded beyond cardiovascular health to include all aspects of fitness that affect optimal aging: posture, flexibility, gait and balance, endurance, and strength. This is where certified Functional Standards for Optimal Aging Experts (FSOAE) will be able to demonstrate a valuable role in wellness as well as rehabilitation. The FSOAE certification is based on the Moving Target Screen (MTS), which comprises 15 functional assessments used to measure the key components of optimal aging for middle age and older adults. Physical and occupational therapists who embrace the concept that functional assessment and treatment is their domain and who wish to become experts in MTS are encouraged to take this course and become certified (FSOAE). This course provides thorough training in executing the MTS with a variety of clients. In addition, there is little point to assessing and prescribing perfect exercises plans if patient/client compliance is low. Therefore, course participants will learn techniques to motivate patients/clients to engage in exercise programs tailored to their individual needs. Course participants will also receive printable exercise prescription forms. All MTS measures are research-based and most provide predictive
analytics – the scores that indicate risk. Participants learn the evidence supporting each measure, how to correctly perform each assessment and how to explain the implications to their patients/clients. Evidence based exercises will be provided as suggested resources for the problems identified. Course participants will observe case studies, which include counseling patients with regard to the appropriate course of action. Information on marketing this tool to physicians, health agencies, and the community is provided and practical, how-to handouts are included that the course participants can download and use immediately. To earn their FSOAE certification, participants will demonstrate their competence by means of a motivational planning assignment, a written exam and a practical exam.
This course certifies you as a Functional Standards for Optimal Aging Expert (FSOAE), the only group authorized to administer the Adult Functional Independence Test (AFIT).
If you only did one standard test, then you wouldn’t pick up a multi-faceted reason why people can’t function properly. A great example is falls. If you only do a one-legged stand, you won’t get any sense of the person’s gait speed, their ability to accelerate and decelerate, or turn. They may look great walking, but if you just use one test, the sit stand test for example, then you don’t know what happens when they move their head. If you use multiple quick tests, then you’ve really gotten the full picture.

The AFIT is a fantastic multi-faceted assessment for older adults to help you optimize their physical fitness levels. The tools in this course will assist you in developing a program to assist the client in achieving optimal fitness, strategies to combat resistance, and techniques to increase motivation while creating great relationships with clients.