Evidence-Based Exercises that Exceed Expectations!

Exercise is our most effective modality, so why not learn about the latest most innovative and evidence-based interventions that are currently available. Mark Traffas, who is a working clinician and educator, is gifted in his ability to take research and convert it into clinically usable information. You will leave with tons of new, creative and effective exercises for every joint in the body as well as for patients with stroke, Parkinson’s disease, balance impairments and so much more.

Exercising older patients can present a unique challenge to therapists. Take on that challenge and give your patients the best care you can. Take this course for tools you can use immediately!

What Participants Are Saying . . .

“Excellent speaker… very knowledgeable.”
“Great handout for reference use at work.”
“Course handout is amazing… thanks for all that is in it.”
“Mark is a dynamic speaker.”
“I highly recommend this course. Mark’s way of lecturing is relatable and engaging.”
“Very interesting information with great presentation.”
“This course was highly effective in assisting me to better treat my patients using published evidence to support what I do.”

1. List barriers for the use of evidence-based practice in the clinical setting.
2. Demonstrate multiple evidence-based exercises for every major joint in the body.
3. Use evidence-based references to strength the following muscle and muscle groups: * Scapular and rotator cuff * Core stability * Lateral stabilizer of the hip * Vastus Medialis
4. Guide a patient through a strengthening program using the principles of 1 repetition maximum.
5. Understand the differences of stretching techniques for the older vs. younger population.
6. Guide patients with Parkinson’s Disease and/or CVA through an appropriate exercise program addressing related functional deficits.
7. Be able to use the site of infarct in a CVA patient to guide exercise treatments.
8. Create an evidenced based exercise program to improve the balance of an older adult.
9. Utilize gait and balance assessments to establish and direct exercise programs for the geriatric population.
10. Use the fundamental positions of Tai Chi for patient treatments in balance, proprioception, posture, and gait.

EDUCATIONAL CREDIT: A certificate of attendance for 20 contact hours of educational activity (20 CEUs or 2.0 CEUs depending on how your Practice Act determines CEUs in your state) will be awarded to registrants upon completion of the seminar. Great Seminars and Books is an Approved CE Provider for PTs and PTAs in NY, IL, CA, TX, and NM, and this course provides 20 contact hours of continuing education. This course is also approved for PTs and PTAs in MD and NJ for 20 contact Hours. Have applied for approval in PA. Our courses also meet the guidelines for approval in TN, PA, SD, MI, AL, VA, MO, IN, AZ, DE, GA, NH, OR, RI, UT, VT, WY and MO. Courses are accepted for CEUs in NE, ID, MT, WA, CT, IA, and ND. If you do not see your state listed, please give our office a call.

GREAT Seminars is an American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Approved Provider of continuing education (Provider #5363). This course is not approved by ASHA or Board of Certification.

Your tuition may be tax deductible. Any reference to or mention of state rules or regulations concerning continuing education requirements are true and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of print. If you have questions, please contact your board or regulating body.

If you do not see your state listed, please give our office a call at 877 794 7328.

DAY 1

7:30 – Registration and Continental Breakfast

8:00 – Introduction to Geriatric Therapeutic Exercise

8:15 – Exercise Principles

Developing a foundation of exercise principles which will be used throughout the lecture. Literature will be used to explain and support these concepts: Levels of Evidence, Contraindications, Precautions, Definitions of Terminology, Stretching and Warm Up.

10:00 – Break

10:15 – Exercise Principles (continued)

One repetition maximum will be discussed and with the use of the literature be applied to the geriatric population.

11:30 – Orthopedics: Upper Body – Neck and Shoulder

Using evidence-based literature to develop skilled treatment techniques for the cervical area and shoulder. The literature will be discussed and applied to the clinical setting.

12:30 – Working Lunch (on your own) An Instructional Video will be played during lunch with demonstrations of various standardized assessments – Berg Balance, Sit to Stand Test, 400 Meter Walk & 6 Minute Walk Test.

1:30 – Shoulder and Hand

Using evidence-based literature to develop skilled treatment techniques for the cervical area and shoulder. The literature will be discussed and applied to the clinical setting.

2:30 – Back/Core Exercises

The literature will be used to give exercise ideas to the specific diagnosis of stenosis and compression fractures as well as the core muscles of the lumbar spine and abdominal area.

3:30 – Break

3:45 – Back/Core Exercises (continued)

4:45 – Lower Body – Hip Using evidence-based literature to develop skilled treatment techniques for the lower body, including the hip, the knee, and the ankle. The literature will be discussed and applied to the clinical setting.

6:15 – Questions and Discussion

6:30 – Adjourn

 

DAY 2

7:30 – Registration and Continental Breakfast

8:00 – Lower Body – Knee and Ankle

10:00 – Break

10:15 – Neurology – Stroke and Parkinson’s

Evidence based exercises will be presented to help guide the practitioner create skilled and effective treatments for the most common neuro diagnosis in the elderly, Parkinson’s, and the most common neuro rehab diagnosis, stroke.

12:30 – Working Lunch (on your own) An Instructional Video will be played during lunch with demonstrations of various standardized assessments – Dynamic Gait Index, Four Square Step Test, Functional Reach, Physical Performance Test Protocol.

1:30 – Unique Neuro Treatments

These concepts include muscle re-education techniques, weight bearing and weight shifting techniques. Literature will be given to support these treatment ideas.

3:30 – Break

3:45 – Gait

The evidence-based exercises of the previous sections applied to the muscles needed in different parts of the gait cycle.

4:15 – Balance and Proprioception

Using evidence-based literature to develop skilled treatment techniques to improve balance and decrease fall risk in the elderly. Included in this section are specific balance exercise programs that have been proven efficacious as well as a Tai Chi lab.

5:15 – Functional Tools – Berg, Tinetti, TUG and DGI

The evidence-based exercises of the previous sections applied to the muscles needed to improve scores and decrease fall risk.

6:00 – Odds and Ends

Tips to improve day to day delivery of care to our residents ending with innovative exercise programs.

6:15 – Final Questions and Close

6:30 – Adjourn

Cancellation/Refund Policy:
By Participants: Participant cancellations must be received in writing at least two weeks prior to the seminar date for tuition refund less a $75 administration fee. NO refunds will be made after this date.
By Great Seminars: In the event that a course is cancelled by Great Seminars and Books, participants will be offered the equivalent number of hours of another live course or a full refund. Great Seminars and Books is not responsible for course related expenses that participants may incur such as transportation including air fare, lodging or meals. It is highly recommended that you obtain refundable travel expenses.



For Mail/Email registrations call us at 877 794 7328 or fill out this registration form and email (greatseminars@aol.com) or mail (Great Seminars, 2639 Revere Drive, Akron, OH, 44333) it to us.


Registration Cost


Des Moines, IA – September 20-21, 2025

Host: MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center
1111 6th Avenue
Des Moines, Iowa 50314


Early Bird (thru 8/6/25) = $545

Regular Price (8/7/25 – 8/27/25) = $595

Late Fee (8/28/25 – 9/20/25) = $645

Details Price Qty
Current Price is Early Bird Priceshow details + $545.00 USD  
Current Price is Late Fee Priceshow details + $645.00 USD   Goes On Sale
August 28, 2025
Current Price is Regular Priceshow details + $595.00 USD   Goes On Sale
August 7, 2025


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Fayetteville, AR – October 18-19, 2025


Early Bird (thru 9/3/25) = $545

Regular Price (9/4/25 – 9/24/25) = $595

Late Fee (9/25/25 – 10/18/25) = $645

Details Price Qty
Current Price is Early Bird Priceshow details + $545.00 USD  
Current Price is Late Fee Priceshow details + $645.00 USD   Goes On Sale
September 25, 2025
Current Price is Regular Priceshow details + $595.00 USD   Goes On Sale
September 4, 2025


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Your Instructor

Mark Traffas, PT, GTCCS, FSOAE