Individuals with Parkinson's disease gather around for the exercise therapy class
(Camrose) We dance, we sing, we do physical therapy. What may look like a dance party twice a week at the University of Alberta's Augustana campus in Camrose is actually an elective class in Parkinson's for MSc Physical Therapy students from the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine.
Taught by physical therapist Connie Harrison, 15 people with Parkinson's disease attend an exercise therapy program that uses rhythmical movements to music for therapy, while physiotherapy students from the U of A work with each of them to increase overall function and learn how to manage symptoms. The class currently runs Monday and Thursday afternoons.
"There's never been an exercise program for Parkinson's in the Camrose area," says Connie Harrison, physical therapy instructor. "We designed the class to help clients with Parkinson's increase overall function and we've seen these improvements over time - like being able to get out of a chair or walk to the car."
"Working out to rhythm initiates movement - big movements and large-range motion," says Ciaran O'Flynn, first-year MSc Physical Therapy student, Camrose cohort. "There are only five students in the class and we really get the opportunity to be hands-on with the patients."
Harrison says the goal for the students is to become familiar with Parkinson's itself, understand the assessment, design the assessment forms and pick out appropriate outcome measures for Parkinson's.
"It was great to put what we learn in the classroom to use. It's really nice to get the chance do clinical work, and see what a positive difference it actually makes," O'Flynn says.
For Sharon Vestby who has Parkinson's, the program and students have definitely made a difference. "The exercising is wonderful. You feel alive when you're able to move. It's a good thing to have in Camrose, and it's been fun being part of a group - we all have the same things to deal with."
The Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine's Camrose satellite at Augustana campus currently has 24 physiotherapy students, 12 in first year and 12 in second year. Augustana students attend most classes via real-time, high-definition video conferencing. Students in Camrose have a local instructor or teaching assistant for each course. The synchronized distance learning technology allows U of A students to train through lectures and labs across three campuses: Edmonton, Camrose and Calgary.
Forty-six students have graduated from the physiotherapy program in Camrose and are currently working as physical therapists in St. Mary's Hospital, Camrose Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic, Centennial Centre in Ponoka and more.
Harrison herself graduated from the University of Alberta's physical therapy program in 1980. She worked in acute care and rehabilitation for 12 years, but stepped away for 22 years after that to take on the adventure of being a mom and homeschool teacher to her five children.
"I decided to go back into practice last January, and registered for the re-entry program through the University of Alberta's physical therapy bridging program," explains Harrison.
It was an arduous program in a short period of time, but the hard work certainly paid off.
"In spring 2015 I passed all my exams and became a licensed physical therapist again!"
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The Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine at the University of Alberta
As the only free-standing faculty of rehabilitation medicine in North America, the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine's vision is to be at the forefront of knowledge generation and scholarship in rehabilitation. Through excellent teaching, research and service to the community, the Faculty is committed to enhancing quality of life, promoting participation and autonomy, and improving function for citizens in Alberta and beyond.
A research leader in musculoskeletal health, spinal cord injuries, common spinal disorders (back pain), seniors and dementia and speech-language disorders, the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine aims to inspire the realization of the full potential of individuals, families and communities. The three departments, Occupational Therapy (OT), Physical Therapy (PT) and Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) offer professional entry programs. The Faculty offers thesis-based MSc and PhD programs in Rehabilitation Science, attracting students from a variety of disciplines including OT, PT, SLP, psychology, physical education, medicine and engineering.