Parkinson's Foundation Expands Roster of Accredited Exercise Education Providers
NEW YORK and MIAMI, May 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Parkinson's Foundation is pleased to announce the accreditation of Dance for PD and Parkinson's Pointe as Parkinson's Foundation Accredited Exercise Education Providers. The designation recognizes exercise education programs and courses that meet rigorous standards designed to reduce variability in knowledge and skill among exercise professionals who work with the Parkinson's community.
Joining organizations like Rock Steady Boxing, PWR!Moves, Movement Revolution and MDT Education Solutions – Dance for PD and Parkinson's Pointe demonstrate alignment with the Foundation's Criteria for Exercise Education Programs and Courses and Competency Framework for Exercise Professionals. By establishing consistent benchmarks, accrediting providers aim to ensure that individuals living with Parkinson's disease (PD) receive the highest-quality and safest exercise programming to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
"Exercise is an increasingly essential part of a comprehensive Parkinson's care plan," said Lisa Hoffman, MA, senior director of professional education at the Parkinson's Foundation. "Providers that receive accreditation have shown clear evidence of aligning their curriculum with our established competencies. We are grateful for their dedication to providing expert-led, PD-specific training."
The Parkinson's Foundation is currently inviting public comment on the Parkinson's Exercise Guidelines, which were developed by an international team of experts using a Delphi consensus method. The Foundation encourages all Parkinson's health professionals, exercise professionals and members of the community to provide feedback through July 1st via an online submission form.
"We're honored to be named a Parkinson's Foundation Accredited Exercise Education Provider," said David Leventhal, program director and lead trainer of Dance for PD. "This recognition affirms the rigor of our established, global training program and the value of dance as powerful exercise for people living with Parkinson's."
To learn more about the Exercise Education Accreditation Recognition Program, send direct inquiries to healthprofs@parkinson.org.
About the Parkinson's Foundation
The Parkinson's Foundation makes life better for people with Parkinson's disease by improving care and advancing research toward a cure. In everything we do, we build on the energy, experience and passion of our global Parkinson's community. Since 1957, the Parkinson's Foundation has invested more than $474 million in Parkinson's research and clinical care. Connect with us on Parkinson.org, Facebook, X, Instagram or call 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636).
About Parkinson's Disease
Affecting an estimated one million Americans, Parkinson's disease is the second-most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer's and is the 14th-leading cause of death in the U.S. It is associated with a progressive loss of motor control (e.g., shaking or tremor at rest and lack of facial expression), as well as non-motor symptoms (e.g., depression and anxiety). There is no cure for Parkinson's and nearly 90,000 new cases are diagnosed each year in the U.S.
MEDIA CONTACT:Melissa Nobles GonzalezParkinson's Foundationmgonzalez@parkinson.org305.537.9134
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SOURCE Parkinson's Foundation
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