Improving health through experiential learning

UD’s community study has empowered Ford, who also has diabetes, to take control of her health. Before the study, she was only taking 400 steps per day.

“Now, I’m averaging 4,000 steps daily, and my blood sugar is also down,” said Ford.  

She meets weekly with her accountability partner, DPT student Rachel Scherbenske, who’s running the Philadelphia Half Marathon in November to help raise money for stroke and brain aneurysm research. 

“She said she was a homebody, so I encouraged her to check the mail or take out the trash to get extra steps,” said Scherbenske. “Finding little ways to help increase step count through basic day-to-day activities was key.” 

Ford’s long-term goal is to take 10,000 steps per day. 

“We have eight more weeks to reach that goal!” She smiled, “I think I can do it.” 

Scherbenske was one of several DPT students who jumped at the chance to volunteer for this study.

“I’ve learned about the power of a simple conversation,” Scherbenske said. “It’s exciting to help Kim improve her overall health and well-being. That’s why I went into the PT profession.”

Jackie Linton of New Castle was driving to work in March 2020 when COVID hit, and she lost use of her right arm. She had a hemorrhagic stroke. 

“I’m a couch potato, but I knew I needed to walk more,” said Linton. “Now, I’m hitting my 8,000-step goal daily—unless it’s raining. I feel more energized.” 

Her accountability partner, DPT student Jenna Mlecko, who also plans to run the Philly Half Marathon, keeps her motivated. 

“I appreciate the opportunity to have more contact with patients and follow them on this 12-week journey,” said Mlecko. “I’ve learned a lot about changing someone’s life in their environment with their own resources.” 

Carolyn Hepler-Smith, a DPT student, works with Ellen Pollack, who had a brain aneurysm in 2018 and walks with a walker. She, too, found conversation to be a key element of a successful rehabilitation. 

“It’s important to know everything going on in a person’s life outside of rehab because it affects rehab,” said Hepler-Smith. “People are busy, and even something like construction in town and weather can affect how many steps Ellen takes.”  

Reisman called these experiential learning experiences paramount. 

“We want our DPT students to hone their communication skills and feel more confident in delivering a community-based program like this wherever they land,” said Reisman. 

The feasibility data collected from this study will help inform future interventions. Next, researchers will test participation in the program in person versus via Zoom to determine the best form of delivery before piloting the intervention at a senior center. 

“We want to see whether people show up for sessions, whether they make fewer gains than they did in the clinical trial, so we can understand barriers and challenges and bridge the gap between the clinic and delivering this intervention in the real world,” said Reisman.