Erica DeMarch
About Erica DeMarch
Erica DeMarch is the founder and CEO of Step and Connect. Twenty years of expertise as a physical therapist in the areas of neurorehabilitation and vestibular rehab led Erica to develop the patented Balance Matters System, a device based on science that incorporates sensory feedback to improve balance and gait.
She is the author of the children's book How Do You Balance Like That? and developed an intergenerational balance program that goes along with it. She serves as an affiliate faculty member at South College Physical Therapy School and teaches continuing education courses globally on balance and motor learning. Within her community, Erica teaches balance workshops and group exercise classes for individuals with Parkinson's Disease and serves as a member of the Parkinson’s Association of the Rockies medical advisory board. She loves collaborating with other clinicians to best serve her clients and consults at Wetzler Integrative PT in Colorado.
Finding the Goldilocks Zone
Finding the “just right” dose for balance exercises can optimize outcomes and confidence. Research shows us that exercise can be an amazing “medication.” But exercise, like medication, is only effective if it is right for a specific client’s condition and dosed at the appropriate intensity level.
In this workshop you will learn how to dose balance exercises by finding the “just right” balance exercise plan that addresses specificity and difficulty level. You will learn how to target the “just right” amount of speed, step length, visual input, surface challenge, pattern complexity, and cognitive challenge.
Objectives:
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Use the rate of perceived stability to accurately assess the correct intensity level of balance exercises
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Demonstrate how to target the “just right” amount of speed, step length, visual input, surface challenge, pattern complexity, and cognitive challenge for balance programming
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Address the specific elements of a balance exercise (attaining a position, maintenance, and recovery)
