Teaching Artifact 1
EXSC 9150
Evidence-based Doctoral Portfolio I
Fall 2024
Keep Moving:
The Daily Program for
Parkinson’s Disease
33 minute video
Abstract
This teaching artifact, Keep Moving: The Daily Program for Parkinson's Disease, was presented to the Willow Glen support group on August 2, 2024, with fifty-six participants, including individuals with Parkinson's Disease (PD) and their caregivers. The presentation aimed to deliver an evidence-based, daily well-being program that combines nonpharmaceutical therapies, including exercise, meditation, voice training, and nutrition, to improve the quality of life for people with PD. My journey as an athletic trainer working to help athletes recover and rehabilitate from injuries to maintain peak performance; and a personal trainer, bringing fitness and exercise instruction with specialized experience in the PD community shaped this artifact. This experience enabled me to address the unique exercise considerations for those with PD. Grounded in my portfolio’s vision and mission to support the PD community through accessible well-being programs, this presentation also aligned with my teaching philosophy of fostering a welcoming, empathetic environment that encourages active learning. Drawing on Knowles' andragogy principles, I engaged attendees through strategies prioritizing autonomy, real-world application, and problem-solving, allowing participants to create personalized wellness agendas. The presentation underscored the importance of a learner-centered approach and the value of understanding learners' motivations, as described by adult education frameworks. This experience demonstrates my commitment to authentic, purpose-driven teaching, supporting individuals with PD in achieving meaningful well-being. Keywords: Parkinson’s disease, well-being program, adult learners
Teaching Artifact 2
EXSC 9250
Evidence-based Doctoral Portfolio II
Spring 2025
Exercise and Parkinson’s Disease:
Essential Considerations for Exercise Professionals
Abstract
This executive summary outlines Exercise and Parkinson’s Disease: Essential Considerations for Exercise Professionals, a teaching artifact presented at the 2025 NETA Virtual FitFest. This presentation introduced twenty-eight exercise professionals to foundational knowledge about Parkinson’s disease (PD) and evidence-based strategies for designing safe and effective exercise programs for this population. Key topics included PD symptoms, the benefits of exercise, workout and safety modifications for different ability levels, and the role of exercise professionals in interdisciplinary healthcare collaboration. This presentation aligns with my doctoral portfolio, “Improving the Quality of Life for People with Parkinson’s Disease”, by advancing the accessibility and scalability of well-being programs. Grounded in my core values, authenticity, patience, and service to others, this session encouraged exercise professionals to engage with the PD community and pursue further education in specialized training programs for PD. Teaching strategies incorporated adult learning principles, real-life case studies, and interactive elements to enhance engagement. Survey feedback highlighted the effectiveness of the session, with a 4.8/5.0 rating and positive remarks on content and delivery. By equipping exercise professionals with PD-specific knowledge, this presentation contributed to improving exercise participation among people with Parkinson’s, addressing barriers to physical activity referrals, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. Future improvements include leveraging Zoom’s interactive features to enhance engagement and tailoring content to attendees’ specific interests. This artifact reflects my commitment to education, advocacy, and service, reinforcing the role of exercise professionals in supporting the PD community and expanding access to specialized exercise programs that enhance the quality of life. Keywords: Parkinson’s Disease, exercise professionals, PD exercise, health education