PARKINSON      WELLNESS         RECOVERY

MISSION

To develop and expand access to a national network (PWR! NetWorks) of Parkinson disease exercise experts (PWR! Experts) and community-based PWR!GYM™ centers that provide early intervention and continuous access to research-based exercise approaches that target the unique physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges for individuals living with PD.

VISION

A community where all people with Parkinson disease receive exercise intervention beginning at diagnosis with continuous access for life to increase longevity and quality of life such that end stage PD is eradicated!

PWR! Project Values:  Make a Difference, NeuroFit for Life, Dignity, Achievement  

GOALS

1. PWR! Academy
   • Develop PD-exercise expert training programs for clinicians and fitness professionals to increase the availability, quality, and standardization of PD-specific exercise programs that adhere to Exercise4BrainChange™ principles of practice in an enriched (fun, social, engaging) environment.
     • PWR! Clinicians
     • PWR! Trainers/Circuit
     • PWR!MOVES™ Group Program
       
   • Develop PD-exercise expert training programs for people with PD, caregivers, spouses, and friends to increase understanding of exercise and PD; improve everyday mobility, transfers, and safety; to foster understanding and participation in life.
     • PWR! Coach™
2. PWR!GYM™ Centers
   • Develop community-based specialty neurofitness centers that specialize in early intervention, provide continuous access to PD-specific exercise programs, and perform longitudinal assessment and tracking. 
   • Link data collection procedures across PWR!GYM™ centers to demonstrate slowing of motor deterioration and reduced healthcare costs related to health (falls, hospitalizations, medication change), improved function, balance, and quality of life.
   • PWR!GYM™ centers will participate in training local fitness and health professionals to extend PWR! exercise expert resources to remote and disadvantaged areas.
3. PWR! NetWorks
   • Develop a network-wide system for linking people with PD and medical professionals with the PWR! experts and PWR!GYM centers in their area.
   • Link PWR!GYM facilities to a network wide database and develop training procedures for collecting standardized assessment data about program outcomes.
4. Scholarship/Subsidy Programs
   • Establish funding mechanisms to subsidize costs to participants; and offset start-up costs for the development of other PWR!GYM™ centers.