Chair-based exercise leadership training for trainers pilot course
Introduction
Physical activity trainers from the four Health and Social Services Boards participated in a pilot of the Leicester College Chair-based Exercise Leadership course. The evaluation that follows is a summary of their feedback from the two day training course, which took place on 11 and 12 June 2002. Participants will be assessed six weeks after the completion of this course.

Background
The course was one of three courses aimed at promoting independence and/or reducing the risk of falls and injuries among older people. This continuum of courses was originally commissioned by the Department of Health, England, and developed by Leicester College with the support of a National Advisory Group.

The trainers were trained to deliver a four-day leadership-training course to health and care professionals (such as physiotherapy assistants, occupational therapists, healthcare assistants and health visitors) who wanted to lead chair-based exercise sessions to frailer, older people. The course covered 17 specific exercises, designed to improve mobility, strength, flexibility and coordination. The course also included assisted walking and games activities. The course has been aligned with, and provides evidence for NVQ units in Care Level 2 and Promoting Independence Level 3. Once achieved, this chair-based qualification can act as the first step towards more advanced qualifications in teaching exercise for the whole range of older participants.

Pilot
The overall aim of the pilot was to assess the suitability of the course for implementation throughout Northern Ireland. A secondary main aim was to assess the feasibility of the course to support local falls prevention and physical activity strategies and programmes. The final main aim was to determine the potential of the Chair-based Exercise Leadership course to promote safe, effective and enjoyable physical activity among older people.

The Northern Ireland Physical Activity Strategy Implementation Group funded the pilot and it was coordinated by the Health Promotion Agency.

This course was facilitated by Mary Morris. Mary holds a Certificate of Education and is currently studying for an Msc in Exercise and Nutrition Science at the University of Liverpool.

Since 1994 Mary has been a Fitness Consultant and Teacher Trainer for Rosemary Conley Diet & Fitness Clubs, Fitness Consultant to Rosemary Conley and Fitness Adviser for the Rosemary Conley Diet & Fitness Magazine. During this time Mary has also been the owner and director of Lichfield Health & Fitness Club and Tutor Trainer for Leicester Southfields College in Chair-Based Exercise for the Older Person.

Twelve delegates attended this two day workshop from backgrounds including health promotion, nursing and physiotherapy.

Key findings from the post-course evaluation included the following:

• The course afforded the participants the opportunity to gain insight into the structure of existing programmes and current perspectives on physical activity and ageing;
• Participants felt they had gained knowledge on the benefits of well organised, safely delivered exercise for the frail and elderly.