Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the cost of training?
Training cost is $500; however we do offer early bird discounts. We will note these discounts on individual course documents.

What does the training consist of?
We are currently certifying instructors through a virtual format. Once public health recommendations regarding the Covid-19 pandemic change, we will also hold in-person training. The training is either 1 full day or 2 half days, including completion of 2-4 hours of required coursework prior to the live sessions. Our certification process is finalized through a written exam and skill demonstration at the end of the course.

Who do I contact to register for an OTM course?
You can email the OTM team at contact@onthemove.pitt.edu and we will assist you.

What should I do if I receive an error while registering?
Please reach out to our OTM team and we will assist you.

How do I know if I am registered for the OTM course?
You will receive a confirmation email stating you have been enrolled in the OTM course. Feel free to contact us to ensure your registration is complete.

How do I know if my certification payment went through?
Please reach out to our OTM team and we will assist you.

Where do I get information on upcoming trainings?
Notifications of upcoming trainings will be posted on our website. For more information, please reach out to our OTM team and we will assist you.

How do I know if spaces are available for upcoming trainings?
There is a notification at the top of the registration page detailing how many spots are left in each course. Please reach out to our OTM team with any specific questions.

Can persons without PT, PTA, OT, COTA, ACSM, or ACE certifications be trained as an instructor?
Yes, if you have education/experience in a health background, have worked or are working with older adults, are a group fitness instructor and have a CPR certification, you qualify to be an OTM instructor. If you are still unsure if you qualify to become an OTM instructor, please reach out to our team for more information.

If an individual completes leader training, is there a minimum number of classes an instructor must lead in a calendar year to maintain certification as instructor?
No, there is no minimum number of classes an instructor must lead to maintain certification. Certification is valid for three years. Details on recertification are forthcoming.

If I am unable to attend the course after registration, and payment is complete, what should I do?
Please reach out to our OTM team and we will assist you.

What is the best method for using music during class? (e.g., playlists, sound system, etc.)
It is best to utilize technology you are familiar with and which allows all participants to hear the music. We provide trained instructors with recommended songs for each course component that align with a beat per minute (bpm) for smooth, continuous movement. Instructors are encouraged to match music to individual group preferences.

What manner of facilities are eligible to be licensed to offer the On the Move Group Exercise Program?
Any organization that provides health, wellness, and/or exercise programming to adults who wish to improve their walking are eligible to apply for a license. These organizations include, but are not limited to: senior centers, YMCA’s, independent gyms, libraries, churches, residential living facilities, and park and recreation centers.

How do I start an OTM program at my organization? What is the cost?

A licensed site requires the following:

• An OTM site license from the University of Pittsburgh. The site license is valid for 3 years. The site license is free for non-profit facilities. For-profit agencies pay according to a fee schedule based on the number of sites covered by the license.
• A certified OTM instructor (from external to or within your organization) to provide the program

How is On the Move different than other exercise programs?
OTM is a mobility program for older adults to enhance their walking skill in order to become a “better” walker. OTM promotes improving the timing and coordination of walking through progressive training in a group setting. Many facilities provide OTM in addition to other exercise classes to complement current programming. Appropriate populations of individuals might be those who are walking slowly or with less confidence than they were before.

Is OTM still an evidenced-based program if it is offered virtually?
Yes; while our original research was completed with in-person classes, the principles of the program remain the same in a virtual delivery format.

Do we have to operate out of a licensed site?
Any organization needs a site license to hold/offer the program. If the site is a non-profit organization, there is no cost for the license.

Does OTM require any specific outcome measures to be documented and reported?
We do not require sites to collect and report any outcome measures to maintain their licensure. We encourage sites and instructors to consider basic measures of function, such as usual walking speed, before and after each 12-week session to monitor participant progress, but do not require it. Further details are given to instructors during our instructor certification training.

My organization wishes to register staff members to become certified OTM instructors. If we have not yet identified specific staff members to be trained, is it acceptable to use the organization’s information when registering for the OTM course?
Yes, organization information can be entered instead of specific instructor names

Do you have marketing materials we can use in our facility?
Yes. We provide licensed sites with semi-customizable marketing materials to promote the program to clients.

Who should be our licensee contact person?
The organization director or the certified OTM instructor can be the licensee contact person.

Where can I attend OTM classes?
We encourage individuals interested in OTM to visit our listing of licensed sites here.

If you do not see a site near you, please feel free to contact us contact@onthemove.pitt.edu to find out if there are additional, unlisted sites.

Do I need to have a physician clearance to participate in the program?
We do not specifically require this clearance, but we do recommend that individuals be healthy enough to participate in a 50-minute exercise program twice a week. Individual hosting sites (such as the JCC, YMCA, or various senior centers) may require physician clearance prior to program participation.

Is there a cost or does Medicare and/or supplemental insurance cover participation in OTM?
Costs associated with the program are center-dependent. At this time, there is no commercial insurance, Medicare, Medicare supplemental products, Medicare Advantage Plan, or Medicaid-specific coverage related to OTM.

Is fitness testing associated with OTM?
We recommend that certified instructors perform some baseline and follow-up testing of each participant, including a comfortable walking speed assessment, but we do not require any specific reporting. Many centers have their own practices for participant physical assessments.