Volunteer Research Exercise Instructor Assistant

Volunteer Research Exercise Instructor Assistant

The Preventing Loss of Independence through Exercise (PLIÉ) in Persons with Dementia Trial

What’s it about?
The goal of this study is to determine whether a new integrative exercise program for people living with dementia can help them maintain physical function, cognitive function and quality of life and reduce caregiver burden. There are two ongoing studies that are funded by the Department of Veterans Affairs (PLIÉ-VA) and the Alzheimer’s Association (Paired PLIÉ). 

What will I do?

  • Arrive to site early to help set up for Exercise Class
  • Participate in Exercise Class
  • Monitoring Study Participants for safety during Exercise Class
  • After class help break down the room for normal programming
  • Review PLIE Exercise Manual, teaching plans, class videos and related materials

What is the commitment?

  • 1 morning per week approximately 10:30 AM – 1 PM for 5 months
  • 1 hour team meeting per week – optional
  • 2 hour in person team meeting per month – optional
  • Driving is involved

What skills do I need? 

  • Movement, Dance, Exercise, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy or related somatic certification (our Exercise Instructors have experience Feldenkrais Movement, Rosen Method Movement, Yoga, Dance backgrounds) 
  • Interest in working with older adults, especially those with dementia and their caregivers
  • Interest in teamwork
  • Computer skills helpful 

Where is it?

  • The research office is at the San Francisco VA Medical Center at 4150 Clement Street.
  • The study sites are off-campus (e.g., Santa Rosa, San Francisco, East Bay, Peninsula)
  • Study participants may live in the greater Bay Area

If you have questions, please contact Jennifer Lee.
If you are interested, please send us your cover letter and CV.

Principal Investigator:

Deborah Barnes, PhD, MPH
Email: Deborah.Barnes@ucsf.edu
Phone: (415) 221-4810 ext. 24221

Senior Exercise Instructor:

Jennifer Lee
Email: Jennifer.Lee4@ucsf.edu
Phone: (415) 818-5705