Exercise in PD

Becky Farley PhD, MS, PT

Dr. Becky Farley is a physical therapist, neuroscientist, Parkinson exercise specialist, and the Chief Scientific Officer and Founder of the 501c3 nonprofit Parkinson Wellness Recovery | PWR!. Her NIH-funded research first established the importance of whole-body, amplitude-focused exercise for persons with Parkinson disease (PD). She has now pioneered a functional approach to amplitude training that can be instructed by therapists and exercise professionals and be modified for all fitness and mobility levels.

Dr. Farley has been training physical and occupational therapists and exercise professionals worldwide since 2005, teaching them to work together to create rehabilitation and community exercise programs that apply neuroplasticity-principles of practice for shared PD-specific, functional goals. A common PD-specific focus to skill training across all activities (e.g., dance, boxing, tai chi, yoga), affords greater quantity of good quality practice. She believes that this type of integrated medical and community model may extend the benefits of therapy, while harnessing the additive and complementary benefits of community exercise. Over time, ongoing access to this integrated model may perpetuate functional mobility and contribute to disease modification.

In 2012, she opened the doors to the PWR!Gym, a model neurofitness center in Tucson AZ to demonstrate the feasibility of providing ongoing access to an integrated model that implements cutting edge PD-specific therapy and group exercise with shared goals. Soon all PwP will have the opportunity to access the PWR!Gym programs through a Virtual PWR!Gym membership. To find out more and get on our interest list, go to this link: https://www.pwr4life.org/virtual-pwr/ The annual PWR! Retreat in Scottsdale, AZ offers another way to experience PWR!Gym programming in an educational, engaging, and intense weeklong retreat and conference. For more information visit our website: www.pwr4life.org or call us at: 520-591-5346.

Nate Coomer PT, DPT, NCS

Nate is a Physical Therapist with 14 years of experience working with neurologic diagnoses, including Parkinson’s Disease. He is the owner of The Parkinson’s Fitness Project and Daily Dose PD, offering physical therapy and neurofitness training through individual, group and online formats. He received his degree from Northwestern University in 2006 and earned his Neurological Clinical Specialist Certification from the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists in 2010. He holds certifications as an instructor in LSVT BIG and Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery. His clinic is also certified by the Brian Grant Foundation for providing quality care.

Claire McLean PT, DPT, NCS

Dr. McLean received her doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) from University of Southern California and her B.S. in Psychology from the University of Michigan. After completing a Neurologic Physical Therapy Residency, she has specialized working with people with Parkinson’s in the clinic as well as in the research setting. Her work is focused on implementing evidence based physical therapy and exercise in the community to improve access and outcomes. She is certified in PWR! Moves through Parkinson Wellness Recovery, LSVT BIG, & Rock Steady Boxing. She also teaches continuing education courses through PWR!

Through her experience in research and working in non-traditional settings, she has seen what is possible for individuals with Parkinson’s who have access to evidence based, challenging, and supervised exercise on a continuous basis. The current model of care limits the frequency and duration of care that individuals have access to, which limits their ability to achieve optimal outcomes.

Exercise and Physical Therapy are cost effective treatments and can both improve an individual with Parkinson’s health, functional mobility and quality of life, while decreasing the cost to the healthcare system. It is a win-win. Dr. McLean founded a wellness program for people with Parkinson’s in 2015, Rogue Physical Therapy and Wellness, and is currently demonstrating the feasibility, financial sustainability and the beneficial outcomes so that more programs like this can exist across the US and the world. She also co-founded an online education and mentoring program, NeuroCollaborative, to help other healthcare professionals start specialty and non-traditional practices in their area.

In 2020 she launched an online wellness program, Rogue In Motion, to be able to offer access to this type of exercise class to anyone, regardless of geographic location.

Russ Parker NASM CPT, CES, PES

Russ is a NASM certified personal trainer specializing in corrective exercise, neuromotor training and fitness for Seniors. Russ has a B.S. in Physical Education.

As a personal trainer and wellness coach, Russ focuses on improving quality of life for people with movement and neurological disorders and Seniors. In early 2016, he was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, so he is in the unique position of knowing firsthand what many of his clients are going through. Trained at the Parkinson's Regeneration workshop, he is well versed in a wide variety of techniques to help reduce movement dysfunction, slow disease progression and improve quality of life for his clients. He uses evidence-based brain and body challenging protocols adapted to the needs and capabilities of clients. This results in improved ability to move with more confidence and react better mentally and physically. Russ also provides coaching to help people optimize their health and fitness regimen.

Expanding his role as an advocate, coach and educator, Russ joined the Parkinson’s Regeneration Training workshop instructor team in December 2018. He teaches a variety of topics including rhythmic movement/dance, cognitive training, balance, reactive training and strategies for living well with Parkinson’s Disease and other chronic conditions.

Specialization Credentials:
NASM - Corrective Exercise Specialist, Performance Enhancement Specialist, Fitness Nutrition Specialist, Behavior Change Specialist.
ACSM - Certified Inclusive Fitness Training.
Certified Tai Chi for rehab instructor from the Paul Lam Institute.
Workshops, conferences and seminars attended on a variety of topics - Lymphatic System Mojo, Barefoot Training Summit, Parkinson’s Regeneration Workshop, NASM OPTIMA conference for fitness professionals.

Email : [email protected]

Facebook page: PD Fitness Coach

Website for Parkinson’s Regeneration Training: http://parkinsonsregenerationtraining.com