July 12, 2024

Wheeling DPT Program/Family Service-Upper Ohio Valley Cardio Drumming Course Helps Local Seniors Exercise

WHEELING, W.Va., July 12 – A collaboration between Wheeling University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program and Family Service–Upper Ohio Valley is promoting cardio exercise and community among the area’s senior population.

Each Wednesday, Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy, Dr. Doug White and DPT students lead clients at Family Service-Upper Ohio Valley in a Cardio Drumming class. The hour-long class engages the local residents who attend in low impact exercise that follows music. Open to residents 60 an older, those attending use drumsticks to hit large exercise balls to music,” Dr. White explained.

“The program provides an opportunity for area seniors to get a cardio workout, while having fun at the same time,” Dr. White explained. Slower music is used to warm up and more upbeat music is played to get the seniors ‘drumming’ at a faster pace, he said.

For the DPT students, this class gives them practical work experience, and it helps Family Service-Upper Ohio Valley provide a much-needed service to the community.

“This is a great partnership and program that we developed pre-COVID. Cardio Drumming is a win-win for us and the University. This program was started to give seniors a way to get a cardio workout. For the students, they are getting real-world experience to use once they graduate,” said Paula Calvert, chief executive officer of Family Service-Upper Ohio Valley and Wheeling University alumna.

Wheeling’s DPT students, she said, love being around their clients and helping them stay active. 

“The students don’t see age; they see the person. The students learn how to help our clients grow and assess any limitations they may have,” Calvert added.

When the program was restarted in January of 2023 just one resident was part of the class, but since that time the number of participants has grown. As more and more seniors joined the class, Dr. White said, so did the sense of community among those participating. 

“Cardio drumming has made an impact in each person’s physical abilities but has also brought the group together as a community. The class has become a social activity for many and brought some of the seniors out of their shell,” he explained.

Calvert said the class members have formed an extended family, checking in with one another on a regular basis outside of class. 

“If someone doesn’t make it to class that week, they call to check on that person. They have grown into their own community. They encourage others to join the class as well, Calvert added.

Providing service to the local and regional agencies is an integral part of the DPT curriculum at Wheeling University, said Dr. Alison Kreger, director of the DPT program.

“Both students and faculty collaborate to help meet the needs of community partners. These experiences match both the Department and University missions to serve, be leaders and have a quest for lifelong learning. Students work on a variety of skills during these experiences, including observation, communication, professional behavior development, and hands-on skills – which help them develop into well-round physical therapists,” Kreger added.  

To learn more about this program, contact Family Service-Upper Ohio Valley at 304-233-2350 x105.

Photo cutline: Dr. Doug White of Wheeling University’s DPT faculty (back center) guides seniors at Family Service-Upper Ohio Valley through a cardio drumming workout. This partnership helps the seniors stay active and builds community.