Faculty Advisor(s)
Audrey Campbell
Abstract
Background: In line with the American Physical Therapy Association’s (APTA) vision statement and recently published research statements, this study was devised to understand if it is possible to develop a population health program in collaboration with a local university’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program, local housing department, and health department.
Objective: The purpose of this study was to implement and investigate the effects of the Walk With a Doc (WWAD) program on the physical activity level and quality of life in an underserved community. The secondary aims of this study were to measure and describe the number of steps and blood pressure at each session of each participant. Further, the researchers planned to use the feedback questionnaire at the conclusion of the study to assist in the development of a sustainable program.
Study Design: An experimental pre-test and post-test design with subjects serving as their own controls.
Methods: Participants were recruited for an 8-week program. The WWAD program entails walking and weekly education related to various health topics. Participants were recruited from a low-income housing unit in Wilkes-Barre, PA. Participants met the inclusion and exclusion criteria to be eligible for this non-randomized, non-blinded study.
Measurements: EQ-5D-5L, PTHLA
Conclusions: The work demonstrates the successful implementation of a population health-level physical therapy collaborative intervention in an underserved community. Lessons learned will be applied to future work. Further research must be done to support generalizability.
Publication Date
2024
Document Type
Poster
Department
Physical Therapy
Keywords
Walk With a Doc, quality of life, underserved community, population health
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences | Physical Therapy
Recommended Citation
Wagner, Alexa and Campbell, Audrey, "The Effects of a Walking Program on Physical Activity and Quality of Life in an Underserved Community" (2024). Student Research Poster Presentations 2024. 22.
https://digitalcommons.misericordia.edu/research_posters2024/22