FSHP Academy
Geriatric Fitness — all lessons

Module 1: Foundations

Introduction to geriatric fitness and the specialist’s rolePhysiology of ageing: sarcopenia, dynapenia, osteopeniaAge-related conditions, multimorbidity and frailty

Module 2: Assessment & Screening

Health screening, risk stratification and medicationsFunctional fitness assessment: SFT, SPPB, TUG, gait speed, grip

Module 3: Programming

Principles of programming: FITT-VP, progression, periodisationResistance and power training for sarcopeniaCardiovascular and aerobic conditioningBalance, mobility and fall preventionFlexibility, functional mobility and ADL training

Module 4: Chronic Conditions

Cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions (HTN, CAD, HF, COPD)Metabolic conditions in older adultsMusculoskeletal: osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, joint replacementNeurological and cognitive: Parkinson’s, stroke, MS, dementia

Module 5: Coaching, Safety & Business

Nutrition, hydration and recovery for older adultsBehavioural coaching, communication and adherenceSafety, emergencies and scope of practiceBusiness, settings and career pathwaysCase studies and sample programme templates

Neurological and cognitive: Parkinson’s, stroke, MS, dementia

Exercise for older adults with Parkinson’s disease, stroke, multiple sclerosis and dementia — evidence, adaptations and safety considerations.

Advanced Evidence: Strong evidence 3 min read Reviewed 2026-10-31 Status: draft

Learning objectives

  • Summarise evidence for exercise in neurological conditions
  • Adapt exercise for motor and cognitive impairments
  • Apply safety considerations
  • Coordinate with neurological rehabilitation teams

Before this lesson

Why this matters

Neurological conditions increase falls risk and loss of function; exercise is a key part of management.

Evidence

ConditionEvidence
Parkinson’sMost exercise types benefit motor signs and QoL [ernst2023]
StrokeCardiorespiratory and mixed training improve walking [saunders2020]
DementiaMay improve ADL performance [forbes2015]
MSExercise improves fitness and fatigue; manage heat sensitivity

Adaptations

  • Parkinson’s: large-amplitude movements, rhythm cues, balance, strength; plan around “on” medication times.
  • Stroke: affected side strengthening, gait practice, seated options.
  • MS: cool environment, rest breaks, fatigue pacing.
  • Dementia: simple routines, demonstration, familiar music, supervision.

Falls risk is high — include balance training [sherrington2019].

Common mistakes and misconceptions

Case study

A 71-year-old with Parkinson’s joins a twice-weekly class with large-amplitude movements, boxing drills and balance work. His walking speed and confidence improve over 6 months.

Further learning: video lessons

Video links are only marked “verified” after a human has watched them. Unverified entries open a YouTube search for that channel and topic rather than a guessed link.

Practical demo needs verification — opens a YouTube search

Neurological and cognitive: Parkinson’s, stroke, MS, dementia

geriatric exercise specialists and physiotherapists (search)

You will understand: neurological and cognitive: parkinson’s, stroke, ms, dementia

Why: Clinician-led content; verify the specific video.
Introductory needs verification — opens a YouTube search

Exercise for healthy ageing

geriatric medicine educators (search)

You will understand: why exercise matters in later life

Why: Clinical overview.

Knowledge check

Knowledge check · 0/5

1. Ernst et al. (2023) found exercise in Parkinson’s…

Answer B. Network meta-analysis.

2. After stroke, fitness training improves…

Answer B. Saunders et al. (2020).

3. A key MS consideration is…

Answer B. Manage temperature.

4. Forbes et al. (2015) found exercise in dementia may improve…

Answer B. Cochrane.

5. A strategy for clients with dementia is…

Answer B. Communication.

Short-answer & application questions

  1. Design a session for a client with Parkinson’s.
  2. Adapt exercises after stroke.
  3. Plan communication for dementia.

Key takeaways

  • Most forms of exercise benefit motor symptoms and quality of life in Parkinson’s disease.
  • Cardiorespiratory and mixed training improve walking after stroke.
  • Exercise may improve the ability to perform daily activities in dementia.
  • In MS, manage fatigue and heat sensitivity; progress gradually.

Connected topics

geriatric fitness

Behavioural coaching, communication and adherence

geriatric fitness

Safety, emergencies and scope of practice

References

  1. Ernst M, Folkerts AK, Gollan R, et al. (2023). Physical exercise for people with Parkinson's disease: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, CD013856. Systematic review check pending
  2. Saunders DH, Sanderson M, Hayes S, et al. (2020). Physical fitness training for stroke patients. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, CD003316. Systematic review check pending
  3. Forbes D, Forbes SC, Blake CM, Thiessen EJ, Forbes S (2015). Exercise programs for people with dementia. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, CD006489. Systematic review check pending
  4. Sherrington C, Fairhall NJ, Wallbank GK, et al. (2019). Exercise for preventing falls in older people living in the community. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, CD012424. Systematic review check pending

Educational content only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis or treatment.