Physical Therapy

Exercise Program for Adults with Neurologic Disorders (EXPAND)

Exercise Program for Adults with Neurologic Disorders

“EXPAND”

EXPAND is a program that links Physical Therapy Education with a community need to provide adults with neurological disorders a place to learn how to maximize their health and wellness. Community members with Parkinson disease, multiple sclerosis, balance disorders, and those recovering from stroke or head injury are eligible to participate.

Participants work with PT students under the supervision of a faculty member to develop and implement a physical activity program designed to meet goals for health and optimal function. This collaborative learning model links the medical centers with local academic institutions (UW-La Crosse Physical Therapy Program and Western Technical College Physical Therapist Assistant Program).

EXPAND is offered each semester (September – December and February – May) at the Health Science Center on the UW-La Crosse campus. The program is held twice a week and includes individual or group-based activities. Core components of EXPAND consist of aerobic exercise, strength training, and balance/coordination training.

Students collect data on outcome measures at the beginning of each semester and again at the end of the semester and summary changes for each participant. Data are also compiled to evaluate the effectiveness of this community based program for adults with neurological disorders.

Publications:

Greany, J.F., Hussey, E., Ceder, B. A University Based Physical Activity Program for Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease. Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy Journal. 25(4):122, 2014.

National and State Professional Presentations:

Rasmussen, M., Todd, K., Greany, J.F., Hussey, E. Comparison of the FGA and DGI in a Community Based Exercise Program. Wisconsin Physical Therapy Association Annual Meeting, 2015.

Hegge, J., Greany, J.F. Gait Changes with and Exercise Program for Individuals with Neurological Disorders. Celebration of Research at University of Wisconsin – La Crosse, 2015.

Draeving, T., Yerhot, P., Hussey, E., Greany, J.F. The Effect of a Student-Led Group Exercise Program for Individuals with Parkinson Disease. Wisconsin Physical Therapy Association Annual Meeting, 2013.

Ceder B., Greany, J.F., Hussey, E. A University Based Physical Activity Program for Individuals with Parkinsons Disease. Wisconsin Physical Therapy Association Annual Meeting, 2013.

Additional photos of students working with EXPAND participants

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