Exercise for Independent Living Exercise Class Leaders

Call for Expressions of Interest

Exercise for Independent Living is a trial, funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council and intended to test the effectiveness of exercise in delaying the onset of disability among older people. The study will recruit 500 people over 70 years of age and randomly assign them to receive one of two exercise programs: “Flex and Move” (a flexibility and relaxation program), or “Focus and Flow” (consisting primarily of Tai Chi moves) for a period of 48 weeks. The groups will then be compared to determine if there is any difference in the development of disability as well as a range of functional outcomes such as strength, balance, depression, arthritic symptoms, life satisfaction, and falls. The study is being conducted in Melbourne by researchers at Monash University, University of Melbourne and the University of Western Australia, and has the support of Arthritis Victoria.

Monash University is calling for expressions of interest from suitably qualified exercise class leaders to deliver the exercise classes for this project. The classes will be held in retirement villages in the Melbourne metropolitan area, with two classes of each program being held in each of up to 10 retirement villages. Classes at the first retirement village are expected to commence in September 2006, with additional classes commencing on a monthly basis as further participants are recruited at other villages. Classes of 1 hour duration will be held twice each week for 48 weeks, with 12 participants in each class.

Expectations of class leaders

• Adhere closely to the exercise program curriculum as specified by the research team
• Be available for the 48 week period of each class
• Mark the attendance roll and collect a small fee on behalf of the project from participants each week
• Adhere to protocols for any unforeseen circumstances which may occur during a class
• Travel between retirement villages if undertaking classes at more than one location
• Co-operate with Arthritis Victoria quality assurance activities which will include the observation some of the exercise classes

Required qualifications and experience

• Relevant training delivering exercise programs to older people (including, but not limited to Tai Chi for Arthritis Parts I and II)
• Experience in conducting exercise programs with older people, including in the previous 12 months

Other relevant information

Due to the staged start of classes, the total period during which classes will be run is approximately two years. The total number of class groups undertaking each exercise program will be 21, and the total number of class sessions for each exercise program will be just over 2,000. We are especially interested in leaders who are available to take on four or more class groups over the study period.

Class leaders will be required to undertake 1-2 days training in Melbourne, probably at the end of August 2006. All class leaders will receive a study manual.

A range of contractual arrangements will be negotiable for suitable class leaders, details of which can be obtained from Ms Rachel Whitworth (Ph 9905 1884, e-mail muarc.recruitment@general.monash.edu.au. Questions about other aspects of the expression of interest should be directed by e-mail to Dr Lesley Day (Lesley.Day@muarc.monash.edu.au).

Responses to this call for expressions of interest should be submitted in writing to the address below by 12 Noon, Monday May 1 st 2006. Expressions of interest should respond to the information and requirements provided above. This includes details of relevant qualifications and experience. Please indicate the number of class groups you would be interested in, and indicate any preference for particular regions of Melbourne. Indicate your required fee per class session. Provide contact details for at least one referee who can comment on your skills as an exercise class leader, such as a trainer or an employer. Evidence of feedback from participants (either formal or informal) could also be included. Please also provide any other information which may be of relevance to the application such as business structure and insurance provisions.

Responses to:
Ms Rachel Whitworth
Human Resources Officer
Monash University Accident Research Centre
Building 70, Clayton Campus
Monash University VIC 3800

Or by e-mail (preferred): muarc.recruitment@general.monash.edu.au