Specialty Programs

Fitness and Mobility Exercise (FAME) Program

The FAME program is an evidence-based exercise class exercise developed for adults recovering from a stroke that has since been expanded to include adults with other neurological conditions that affect balance and mobility. The program is adapted from the highly successful original FAME program developed by Dr. Janice Eng at the University of British Columbia which has been shown to improve strength, balance, cardiovascular fitness, bone density and reduce falls in people recovering from a stroke.

FAME’s core components are functional strength, agility, cardiovascular fitness, and balance which are all practiced within a supervised and supportive environment. The exercises are modelled upon normal movement patterns and progress in intensity over time through the addition of repetitions and resistance.

An intake assessment with our BodyWorks FAME instructors is required prior to class participation.

Participants must be able to stand for 5 min, able to walk 10 m with or without assistive devices (cane or walker), able to follow instructions and communicate with the instructor, medically stable, independent in making transfers and using the washroom.

Features:

• Instructors supervise and modify activity to ensure appropriate level of difficulty for all participants regardless of fitness level
• Exercises are performed for high repetitions to improve neural connections
• Practice strength, agility and balance exercises to improve walking confidence and independence