| SPRINGFIELD — Walking the straight and narrow is not always as easy as it sounds, especially for the elderly or those who have suffered injuries. That’s why physical therapy students at American International College held a special screening to assess balance and falls risk.
The free clinic was held Oct. 27 at the Baystate Outpatient and Rehab Clinic, 360 Birnie Ave., Springfield. More than 20 physical therapy students volunteered their time and knowledge to examine balance ability, posture, and how to prevent falling.
“This is certainly a wonderful event for the older adults in the community,” said Gail Stern, professor of Physical Therapy. “Our PT students identify their fall risk and find ways to prevent it.”
The event was held in October to recognize Physical Therapy Month. During the screenings, students examined patients’ ability to balance, and identified if they had a risk of falling. If patients showed a risk of falling, the students taught them how to prevent a fall with exercises.
“Not only did students provide their services to the community, but they also had the opportunity to perform what they learned on a daily basis,” Stern added. |
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