Time for Action
Connecting people with chronic neurological conditions to the long-term benefits of exercise
Recent estimates suggest that there are nearly 200,000 people in Saskatchewan (SK) living with chronic neurological conditions (e.g., stroke, multiple sclerosis). Often, the negative effects of these conditions are made worse by inactivity and secondary losses in health and fitness. Research shows that regular exercise can help to manage symptoms, support recovery, and reduce common side effects that people experience. Yet, fear of injury, financial constraints, lack of services, and other barriers make it difficult for people with chronic neurological conditions to realize these benefits.
Increasing the capacity of exercise professionals to deliver safe, supervised, and affordable community programming can help to overcome many of these barriers. We plan to host a roundtable discussion series throughout Saskatchewan (Regina, Saskatoon, Swift Current, Yorkton, Prince Albert) that brings together people living with chronic neurological conditions, exercise professionals, and healthcare providers. The events will start conversations about how exercise professionals can better support people with chronic neurological conditions in participating in regular exercise. The events will lead to creation of a provincial ‘community of interest ’who are committed to supporting future initiatives in the field. An ‘expert panel’ will then be formed to develop specific recommendations in an ‘action plan’ focused on increasing access to, and quality of, exercise services for people with chronic neurological conditions in SK. The action plan will spark the community of interest towards increasing delivery and utilization of exercise professional services for SK residents living with chronic neurological conditions.