Students help over-60s stay fighting fit

Physiotherapy students are helping over-60s assess their health at a series of Functional Fitness MOTs.
Physio MOT
Physiotherapy students from Plymouth University are helping over-60s assess their health at a series of community events.The Functional Fitness MOTs are being carried out in Totnes and Dartington over the coming weeks, where participants are taken through a variety of tests that will give an indication of their exercise performance.
The tests, which include flexibility, muscle power, balance and aerobic endurance, come with a set of normal values for people of different ages to give them an idea of whether they are doing well compared to their peers, or whether they could benefit from being more active.
Participants then receive a free personalised workbook of results and will learn about local physical activity and exercise opportunities in and around Totnes and Dartington.
The Functional Fitness MOTs are a not-for-profit project hosted by Zest Physiotherapy for Life, which specialises in physiotherapy for older people. The first event took place at the Rushbrook Centre in Totnes on 18 May, with more than a dozen people attending.
Heather Hunter, Academic Lead in Physiotherapy at Plymouth University, said:
“This is an exciting opportunity for students to be involved in health promotion for older adults as well as engaging with the local community, and I am sure both the students and participants will benefit greatly from the experience.”
Pauline Virgo, founder of Zest Physiotherapy, said:
"Through my work as a physiotherapist, I know people want to stay active as they get older but often don’t know what is available in the area and what would suit them best. The Fitness MOT is a great way to give an indication of their exercise performance and whether they are doing well compared to peers, or could benefit from being more active.
“The physiotherapy students are doing a fantastic job. I am very impressed by their energy, knowledge and confidence in promoting active ageing to the public. Such positivity is very motivating and helps our participants develop an action plan based on their MOT test results.”
The dates and times of the events are as follows:
• St John’s Church Hall, Bridgetown; Wednesday 25 May, Drop in from 2.30pm – 4.30pm
• Rushbrook Centre, Totnes; Wednesday 8 June, Drop in from 9.30am – 12.30pm
• Dartington Village Hall, Dartington; Friday 17 June, Drop in from 9.30am – 12.30pm
For further information visit Zest Physiotherapy online.

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We encourage and support a range of voluntary, additional opportunities that may enhance employability and professional development. These include providing physiotherapy services at events such as the Plymouth Half Marathon, Plymouth 10K and assisting court side with Plymouth Raiders Basketball Team, plus supporting students in their own charitable and community engagement, underpinned by the Plymouth Award.

Physiotherapy students in years two and three have the opportunity to volunteer to assist the Plymouth Raiders Team Physiotherapist Kiah Rosenstein in providing therapy. This could include taping and stretches prior to matches and also being present courtside during the game in case of injury. One of the students who volunteered was third year Helen Greensmith "It was a great opportunity to put into practice some of the physio skills learnt on the course and witness the players’ physical and psychological preparation before the game".

Physiotherapy students