Informed Consent
Please read the following information carefully and add your name to the declaration below.
Objectives and procedures
The purpose of the Empower Postnatal Core Stability Program is to provide safe and individualised exercise to improve posture, alignment, muscular stability, muscular strength, endurance, and flexibility. Exercises may include physical activities such as stretching, using small hand weights and small apparatus.
The Empower Postnatal Core Stability Program will begin at a low level and will be advanced in stages depending on your fitness level. The instructor may stop the exercise session because of signs of fatigue or excessive strain. You may stop at any time if you have feelings of fatigue or any other discomfort. The instructor will fully explain what is required of you, the exercises, and that you are advised to ask questions if you are not clear about anything.
Potential risks
When participating in activity/exercise you are likely to experience different levels of intensity over varying lengths of time. As a result you may experience quicker breathing patterns and become hot, as well as feelings of awkwardness depending on your experience or level of fitness.
Most exercise programmes contain certain risks; muscle pulls, joint strains, aches, pains and general discomfort from parts of the body not previously used. More serious risks of exercise include abnormal blood pressure, fainting, irregular, fast or slow heart rhythm, and in rare instances, heart attack, stroke or death.
Prior to taking part in activity/exercise sessions you are advised to complete a Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q), if you answer 'Yes' to any of the questions you are strongly recommended to consult your GP prior to starting the course. There are many activities you may still be able to do. You are advised to start slowly and increase your level of activity slowly, whatever level you are currently at.
Whilst every care will be taken, it is impossible to predict the body’s exact response to exercise. Every effort will be made to minimise these risks by evaluating the information you provide in the health questionnaire within this form, the PAR-Q, physical assessment in the first session and observations during exercising.
If at any time you feel any pain or discomfort, stop performing the activity and notify the instructor. Likewise, if you feel that you should not do a particular exercise for any reason you must inform the instructor.
Potential benefits
Benefits of completing the Postnatal Core Stability Program may vary depending on your individual health and fitness but may include: increased muscular strength, stability strength, endurance, posture, alignment, balance and co-ordination, and reduced stress.
Declaration
I have read and understood the objectives and procedures, potential risks and potential benefits of participation and I consent to voluntarily take part in the activities required.
I understand that the program is designed as a personal training plan, and will take into account details given in my health questionnaire and initial assessment. Therefore, I will only undertake these exercises when in an Empower class, or when I have been given specific instructions to exercise on my own
I understand that I may be required to remove some clothing for the initial assessment, and that the instructor will explain this to me at the time.
I understand that I am free to withdraw from the programme at any time.
I understand that the instructors may take photos and videos involving my participation in course activities and I consent to these being used for marketing purposes and other purposes that will benefit Empower CIC (e.g. funding applications).
If you do not agree with this declaration or if you have any questions please email empowercoreprograms@gmail.com or send a private message through the Empower Facebook page.
