Students in PT 8318: Management of Neuromotor Dysfunction taught by Dr. Karen Goodman work with MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH) Adaptive Sports and Fitness Program to develop skills in patient communication, transfer techniques, and adaptive equipment management while also learning about the importance of physical activity and sports in rehabilitation and community integration for people with disabilities. These experiences provided students with hands-on opportunities to work with individuals with various neuromotor dysfunctions, including spinal cord injuries, stroke, and other neurological conditions.
For information about Community Engaged Scholarship at GW: https://go.gwu.edu/cesc
Semester Reports
Fall 2024
Students Reporting: 13
Time Reported: 66.5 hours
In this course, students engaged with adaptive sports programs, primarily working with MedStar Adaptive Sports and Fitness and the MedStar NRH United Wheelchair Rugby Team. Students assisted individuals with neuromotor challenges in various adaptive sports activities, helping with equipment setup, transfers, and participation in sports like wheelchair tennis and rugby.
MedStar Adaptive Sports and Fitness: Students assisted participants with wheelchair transfers, equipment adjustments, and direct support during adaptive tennis programs. They also helped with the annual SuperH 5K adaptive sports event, supporting cyclists with adaptive bicycles and providing assistance throughout the race.
MedStar NRH United Wheelchair Rugby Team: Students helped athletes with transfers, donning specialized equipment, changing tires, and providing assistance during practice. They also helped run practice sessions by timing drills and managing sprints.
Student Comments:
"I volunteered with the individuals involved in the adaptive tennis program. Throughout the day I assisted with w/c transfers, providing straps to pts feet, adjusting belts and stabilizers, picking up tennis balls, and helping teach tennis!"- Student working with MedStar Adaptive Sports and Fitness
"Helped put on a fall prevention clinic by completing balance screenings and community education in the form of fall recovery steps." - Student working with MedStar Adaptive Sports and Fitness
"I assisted Medstar with setting up and cleaning up the adaptive bicycles that were used by the participants. For example, I helped put the adaptive bicycles back onto the U-Haul truck that was used to transport supplies to the race. I rode my bicycle around the path and encouraged participants throughout the race. I also encouraged and cheered on participants at the finish line of the race. I assisted with anything that was asked of me throughout the volunteer experience." - Student working with MedStar Adaptive Sports and Fitness
Fall 2023
Students Reporting: 13
Time Reported: 47 hours
Projects:
In this course, students participated in various adaptive sports and fitness programs, primarily working with MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH) Adaptive Sports and Fitness Program. The projects included:
Adaptive Cycling: Students assisted with NRH's adaptive cycling program, helping participants with transfers, navigating trails, and managing equipment. They also aided in setting up and breaking down equipment before and after events.
Wheelchair Tennis: Students volunteered at wheelchair tennis practices and events, assisting with setting up wheelchairs, running drills, and helping players transfer between chairs.
Wheelchair Rugby: Students assisted at wheelchair rugby practices, helping with setup, drills, and player transfers.
Student Comments:
"This experience showed me how innovative this population is, especially with how they learn to use their bodies after their injuries and the ways they can complete tasks. This experience also taught me that they are the experts of their own experiences and what techniques are best for them, as the players would give me instructions through transfers and what will work best for each task."
"I gained valuable insight into how much assistance is necessary and wanted by wheelchair users. I was very impressed with all of the players, their maneuverability, and speed (especially among the more veteran players), was amazing."
"I learned about different types of adaptive bikes and additional equipment that can be used with them, as well as practicing communication with individuals while they biked for safety and awareness."
"This was a great opportunity to put into practice principles we have learned in class regarding the importance of exercise as well as working on things like transfers in/out of wheelchairs/bikes."
"This was a fantastic opportunity to learn more about an important community organization, what they do, how they work, and get to know the participants. I also learned a lot about adaptive sports and sport-specific assistive technology."
