Stroke Recovery Specialist
Accredited Courses are courses offered by recognised Continuing Education Providers like ourselves. These courses are developed to assist Professionals with the skill needs and requirements of the Fitness Industry Guidelines to maintain Industry currency for registration. This means as a Health & Fitness Professional you are committed to industry standards and ongoing professional development, improvIng your existing skills and developing new ones.
Stroke Recovery Specialist
Your client's postrehab plan
Australian statistics show that a Stroke is one of the leading causes of death!
- Approximately 27,400 Australians a year have a stroke
- That’s one person every 19 minutes
- One in four people globally will have a stroke in their lifetime
- More than 80 percent of strokes can be prevented.
Unfortunately stroke survivors and their carers are met with extremely limited physical therapy options, so they are seeking out fitness professionals for help.
This is an online, self-paced course delivered digitally.
All materials are delivered digitally – through a variety of digital mediums, including written material, video narrated slide presentations, videos of sample exercises, sample forms, and more.
Comprehension of the material will be measured via a mandatory competency assessment requiring a minimum of 80% correct responses.
Course Author: Tracy Markly
Course Length: 10 Hours
Course
Overview
Modules
Intro, Knowledge & Communication
1-3
Module 1: Intro to Stroke Recovery Training
An introduction to the principles of stroke recovery and the role of fitness professionals in supporting stroke survivors. This module provides a foundation for understanding how exercise and rehabilitation can enhance recovery outcomes.
Module 2: Knowledge of Stroke and Statistics
This module dives into stroke statistics and the various types of strokes, their impacts on the brain, and the recovery challenges survivors face. Learn how to interpret recovery statistics and improve outcomes through targeted interventions.
Module 3: Communication With and Understanding the Survivor
Effective communication strategies are essential when working with stroke survivors. This module explores how to build rapport, understand their needs, and approach sensitive topics with empathy, particularly those experiencing cognitive or speech impairments.
Modules
Movement & Spatial Awareness
4-6
Module 4: Movements
An exploration of key movements and exercises for stroke recovery. Learn how to design movement programs that improve range of motion, flexibility, and overall function while addressing individual limitations.
Module 5: Spatial Awareness and Balance
This module focuses on enhancing spatial awareness and improving balance. Understand the neurological aspects of balance disorders and learn exercises to help survivors regain stability and prevent falls.
Module 6: Seat Heights, Standing, and Wheelchairs
Learn the importance of proper seating and posture for stroke survivors, including wheelchair modifications, seat height adjustments, and strategies for transitioning between sitting, standing, and walking.
Modules
Strategies & Modifications
7-9
Module 7: Leg Stability, Hyperextended Knee, Foot Drop
This module covers common leg issues following a stroke, including hyperextended knee and foot drop. Learn corrective strategies and exercises to improve leg stability, gait, and mobility.
Module 8: Regaining Arm Movements
Focused on upper body recovery, this module teaches effective techniques and exercises to help stroke survivors regain strength, coordination, and function in their arms and hands.
Module 9: Lunges and Squats with Survivors
Lunges and squats are essential for building lower body strength. This module provides modifications and tips for safely incorporating these exercises into a stroke survivor’s training plan.
Modules
Flexibility, Strength, Coordination & Tips
10-12
Module 10: Floor Exercises and Tips
Floor exercises are critical for improving flexibility, strength, and coordination. Learn how to guide stroke survivors through these exercises while ensuring safety and minimizing discomfort.
Module 11: Bouncing a Ball
This module introduces the therapeutic benefits of ball exercises for stroke recovery. Learn how to incorporate bouncing and catching exercises to improve coordination, motor skills, and cognitive function.
Module 12: Neuro Fatigue and Tips
Neuro fatigue is a common challenge in stroke recovery. This module teaches you how to recognize and manage fatigue in stroke survivors, with practical tips for optimizing energy and stamina during training.
Modules
Stories & Tips
13-14
Module 13: Survivor Stories and Tips
Real-life stroke survivor stories provide insights into the emotional and physical journey of recovery. Learn from these experiences and discover additional tips to enhance your approach to training and motivation.
Module 14: Closing
The final module wraps up the course, summarizing key concepts and strategies for stroke recovery training. It offers guidance on continuing education, resources, and how to implement what you’ve learned into your practice.
Completion
Pre-Requisites Certification
The Stroke Recovery Specialist Course is registered through the American Council on Exercise (ACE), providing valuable continuing education units (CEUs) for fitness professionals. Since ACE is affiliated with AUSactive, Australian professionals can also obtain continuing education credits (CECs) through this course. To claim your CECs, follow these simple steps:
- Complete the course and receive your certification from ACE.
- Submit your ACE certification to AUSactive for credit recognition.
- AUSactive will verify your course completion and award the appropriate CECs.
This streamlined process ensures that fitness professionals in Australia can enhance their credentials while learning evidence-based practices to improve client outcomes. For more information on CEC’s allocations go to https://ausactive.org.au/members/learning-development/what-is-affiliated-education/
course author
Tracy Markley is a highly skilled health and fitness professional with over two decades of experience specializing in stroke recovery and rehabilitation. As the author of the Stroke Recovery Specialist course, she combines her expertise in exercise physiology, neurorehabilitation, and functional movement to create effective strategies for helping stroke survivors regain independence and improve quality of life. Tracy is passionate about empowering professionals with the knowledge and tools to support individuals on their recovery journey. Her evidence-based approach integrates therapeutic techniques with physical training to address the unique needs of stroke patients.