Is GLA:D® Australia right for your clinic?

If you or your organisation/clinic is interested in providing the GLA:D® Australia program, there are a few things to consider.

1. Clientele

Is there a need for this program at your organisation/clinic? Do the people in your community experience symptoms of hip or knee osteoarthritis? Will your clientele be able to access this program (see ‘Who Can Take Part in GLA:D‘ for more information)?

2. Staff

To provide the GLA:D® Australia program, you must have eligible exercise professionals (physiotherapists and accredited exercise physiologists only) complete a 2-day training course in order to become a certified GLA:D® Australia clinician (https://gladaustralia.com.au/training-course-information-for-clinicians/). Clinicians must have the knowledge, skills, ability and scope of practice to independently assess patients, prescribe exercises, progress exercises (including home based recommendations), modify exercises as appropriate for participants (to fit their individual ability and contraindications) and transition functional exercises to physical activity and activities of daily living. GLA:D® Australia clinicians must maintain their certification.

Consider having multiple trained staff to provide the program to allow for coverage during staff sickness or turnover. We recommend having at least two certified clinicians.

3. Philosophy of Care

Does your organisation/clinic have a philosophy of outcome driven care and providing services that are evidence-based?

4. Resources

Assessment
As part of their initial assessment, participants will need to undertake two tests of physical performance: the 30 second chair stand test, and the 40-metre fast-paced walk test (see https://oarsi.org/research-oarsi-success/physical-performance-measures). You’ll need a walkway, a sturdy chair with armrests and a stop-watch.

Education sessions
The program consists of 2-3 group education sessions using two PowerPoint presentations that are provided by GLA:D® Australia. We recommend having access to a laptop/computer, projector, screen or blank wall space, and seating for all participants.

Exercise sessions
The program consists of 12 group exercise sessions taking place twice per week for six weeks. These sessions are 60 minutes in duration and require some basic equipment, including exercise ball, mats, steps, weights, therabands and sliders (see https://gladaustralia.com.au/glad-program-structure/ for further details).

Interested in becoming a certified GLA:D® Australia Clinician?

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