Specialty Programs

Fitness and Mobility Exercise (FAME) Program

The FAME program is an evidence-based exercise class exercise for adults recovering from a stroke. 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 assessment by our affiliated physiotherapy team at the Physiotherapy Research Clinic 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

Brain Wellness Program

The Brain Wellness Program is an evidence-based exercise class for people with chronic brain conditions. This circuit style class includes bodyweight and resistance exercises to develop strength and aerobic fitness, as well as agility, gait training and balance exercises to improve locomotion. It also features coordination and cognitive exercises to challenge the brain.

Exercise programming is not condition specific, but all exercises are designed to be adaptable and accessible to all participants regardless of fitness level.

An assessment by our affiliated physiotherapy team at the Physiotherapy Research Clinic 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, and independent in making transfers and using the washroom.

Features:

• Instructors work closely with participants to monitor exertion and modify activity as needed
• Incorporates combined physical and cognitive exercise, or dual-tasking, which provides additional cognitive benefits over exercise alone
• Exercise with others in a safe and supportive environment