Regular physical activity is important for supporting the health and well-being of people with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). Gyms and other community facilities can provide exercise opportunities, but finding an exercise professional who understands PWS can be challenging.
A new online training resource, Supporting People With Prader-Willi Syndrome to Exercise, was developed as part of the PRESTO clinical trial in collaboration with the Foundation for Prader-Willi Research, the Prader-Willi Research Foundation of Australia, and people with lived experience of PWS. The training provides practical information for professionals who support people with PWS in exercise settings.
“Many exercise professionals lack expertise working with people with disability, and most have never met someone with PWS. This resource aims to provide these professionals with the information they need to get started.”
- Nora Shields, Research Director, Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre
Why PWS-specific training matters
People with PWS often have physical, behavioral, and developmental characteristics that affect how they participate in exercise. For an exercise professional who has never worked with someone with PWS, understanding those differences can be an important first step toward creating a positive exercise experience.
‘Supporting People With Prader-Willi Syndrome to Exercise’ was designed primarily for exercise and health professionals who are supporting someone with PWS for the first time. It may also help teachers, support workers, and others who help people with PWS stay active.
What does the training cover?
Supporting People With Prader-Willi Syndrome to Exercise is a self-paced online training that takes approximately one hour to complete. The training covers five key areas:
- Understanding PWS
- Working with a person with PWS
- Behavioral considerations and support strategies
- Safety in the gym
- Exercise and PWS
Who is this resource for?
If you are an exercise professional working with someone with PWS for the first time, this training can provide an introduction to PWS and important considerations for supporting exercise.
Caregivers may also consider sharing this resource with personal trainers, gym staff, support workers, teachers, or other professionals involved in physical activity.
Access the training
To access the training, you will need to submit an expression of interest form, and login details will be sent to you within a week. Access the Supporting People With PWS to Exercise Training
Questions about this resource can be directed to Prof Nora Shields at n.shields@latrobe.edu.au.
Supporting Health Throughout Life With PWS
Physical activity is one part of supporting health throughout life with PWS. Maintaining strength and mobility becomes increasingly important as adults with PWS get older. For more information about the health considerations caregivers should be aware of as their loved one with PWS ages, see Caring for Adults With PWS: What Caregivers Should Know About Aging and Health.
