Taking a Swing at Parkinson’s
Parkinson’s disease patients are combatting their symptoms through a series of activities that encourage movement and were customized by students in our Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management (KNSM).
Since the spring of 2020, Dr. Deanna Kennedy of KNSM has partnered with The Robert Conte Foundation for Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders to host students from her class at Rock Steady Boxing College Station. Rock Steady is the local affiliate of a national non-contact boxing and fitness program that seeks to improve the quality of life for people with Parkinson’s.
Kinesiology students performed hands-on motor assessments and developed plans to help “fighters,” the term used for patients in the program combatting Parkinson’s. “[The program] opened my eyes to the differences in how people have to live their lives and the kinds of activities they do,” said Carter Hartman, a kinesiology student. “It helped me see why I do what I do because movement is important across the whole lifespan, and you can’t really ever take it for granted.”
The personalized plans also feature activities like yoga, dance therapy, brain games and strength training. Students continue to meet with fighters and modify plans based on feedback and assessments.
“Working with a patient population gives them hands-on experience with their future clientele,” said Dr. Kennedy. “It’s something they can write about in their applications, talk about in interviews and it just gives them a lot more experience than normal. So it’s bidirectional; it helps the students, it helps the fighters.”
Parkinson’s frequently hinders movement in various ways, but movement can be the best medicine to overcome these symptoms. While the customized motor programs help overcome personal challenges, the social interaction between “fighters” and students offers an added benefit — someone to talk with and share stories. The patients, “love to know they have people in their corner supporting them and backing them up, and they support us and back us up in our corner,” said Madison Weinrich, doctoral student and graduate research assistant.
Many of the “fighters” are former Texas A&M professors, who are excited to bond and serve students again in a new capacity. “Dr. Kennedy is using such innovative ways to teach future physical therapists how to recognize, how to work with and how to encourage,” said Marica Drost, current “fighter” and former Texas A&M math professor. “I really appreciate the support of the students. They feel like they’re a good friend, not just a future physical therapist.”
Texas A&M University recognized the benefits of this partnership, with its Student Government Association awarding Dr. Kennedy the inaugural Community Impact Award for her efforts highlighting volunteerism and improving communities.
Latest Education & Human Development
- Former Graduate Student Competes for America’s Favorite Teacher TitleAggie graduate Joyce Welch is competing for the title of America’s Favorite Teacher. The post Former Graduate Student Competes for America’s Favorite Teacher Title appeared first on Education and Human Development.
- Aggie Teacher’s Approach to Literacy Inspires Fellow EducatorsFormer student Abby Ramos Stanutz ’05 transforms literacy education at Longfellow Middle School in San Antonio and shares her effective teaching methods with teachers nationwide. The post Aggie Teacher’s Approach to Literacy Inspires Fellow Educators appeared first on Education and Human Development.
- Dr. James Carson Named New Huffines Institute DirectorDr. James Carson will assume the role of Professor and new Director of the Huffines Institute for Sports Medicine and Human Performance. The post Dr. James Carson Named New Huffines Institute Director appeared first on Education and Human Development.
- Mother and Daughter Inspire Student Health and Fitness Through PEAPTheresa Wenzel and daughter Alison Soltis, instructors at Texas A&M's PEAP, guide students through diverse physical activity courses and empower them with wellness education. The post Mother and Daughter Inspire Student Health and Fitness Through PEAP appeared first on Education and Human Development.
- Former SEHD Student Furthers Bilingual Education in the Rio Grande ValleyDr. J. Joy Esquierdo, a graduate of our Bilingual Education Ph.D. program, was elected the interim Vice Provost for B3HSI integrations at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. The post Former SEHD Student Furthers Bilingual Education in the Rio Grande Valley appeared first on Education and Human Development.
- Summer Day Camp Benefits Children and Texas A&M StudentsCamp Adventure provides children ages 8-12 with fun summer memories while offering useful skills and activities for campers and student counselors alike. The post Summer Day Camp Benefits Children and Texas A&M Students appeared first on Education and Human Development.