1. Special Populations Module:
Introduction
© 2018 NPTI Colorado | Revision 5 (05/30/2018) DM

2. Module Overview
In order to successfully complete a module, students must:
Achieve at least a 70% overall grade for that module
Pass the module’s written exams (70%) (If a student scores lower than a 60%, he/she may be required to repeat the module)
Pass the module’s practical test-out (70%)
Complete / submit ALL assignments for that module

3. Meet Attendance Requirement
TOTAL HOURS THAT CAN BE MISSED PER MODULE (without exceeding the combined total of 60 hours lecture / 30 hours practical)
Lecture: *15 hours
Practical: *8 hours
If a student misses more than the hours mentioned above and without making up any time, that student will have to repeat that module.

4. Module Overview Syllabus & Assignments Overview Lectures Practical
Assignments and Due Dates
Testing Dates
Feedback surveys
Questions?
REMINDER: Consult your syllabus or instructor for materials that are required during this module

5. Learning Objectives Students should be able to:
Describe the cause and symptoms of selected chronic health conditions
Define common health and age-related physical and functional limitations to exercise
Modify and design a program for clients with chronic health conditions or limitations

6. Intro to Special Populations
Special needs and health concerns can be classified as:
Life stage
Chronic Disease
Functional and Physical Limitations
Many clients fit into a “special population”
What exactly is meant by “special populations?” Click Here

7. Life Stages
Physiologic differences between children, adults, and older adults impact response and adaptation to exercise.
Key stages in life have particular relevance in health

8. Chronic Disease
The number of clients who belong to a “special population” is larger than ever
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimate that reducing three risk factors would dramatically reduce the incidence of chronic disease:
Poor diet
Physical inactivity
Smoking
Chronic disease-disease state that persists over an extended period of time.

9. Chronic Disease
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death
About half (47%) of Americans have at least one of these CVD risk factors
Smoking
Hypertension
High cholesterol
Other risk factors include:
Sedentary
Poor diet
Overweight/Obesity
Diabetes

10. Functional and Physical Limitations
Injuries can be acquired at work, home, or during sports. Some of the most common injuries include:
Strains
Sprains
Shoulder impingement
ACL tear
Knee pain
Tennis elbow

11. Intro to Special Populations
Always identify and address health conditions before working with a client.
Conditions may significantly influence program development
A key part of the initial screening process
Obtain physician approval before proceeding
Request and adhere to exercise guidelines and restrictions from the physician
Maintain close communication with the health professional

12. Initial Screening Forms

13. Intro to Special Populations
Special Populations covered:
Youth Clients
Older Adults
Pregnant Clients
Obese
Diabetes
Hypertension
Arthritis
Osteoporosis
Orthopedic injuries

14. Intro to Special Populations
Clients with health conditions should follow a low- to moderate-intensity program that gradually progresses.
The program must be individualized:
Specific client characteristics
Appropriate modifications
Safe and effective
Define comorbidities.

15. Think It Through
A personal trainer has a responsibility to expand his or her knowledge and skills and communicate with healthcare professionals when training clients with health conditions or special considerations. Do you feel comfortable working with clients who have health challenges?

16. Think It Through
Are you prepared to work with clients who have special health and fitness issues?
How will you increase your knowledge in this important area?
Is there a specific population with which you would like to work?
How will you promote your services to this clientele?

17. In Summary…
The personal trainer must be careful not to step beyond the defined scope of practice and always obtain physician clearance and program recommendations prior to working with clients who have health limitations.

18. Any questions?