Physiotherapy students from the School of Health Professions have been helping residents at the Queen Alexander Cottage Homes get fit and improve their health. Under the guidance of their course leader, Dr Raija Kuisma, the students have been running an eight-week fitness-for-health circuit training programme for the residents once a week.
This project was a continuation of the Activity Buddies programme which was run as part of CUPP (the Community University Partnership Programme). Student volunteers tested the residents' fitness before and after the programme and planned the exercise to target balance, strength, cardiovascular fitness and mobility.
All the participants improved in some aspects of fitness during the eight-week programme and thoroughly enjoyed the exercise, while the students had a great experience which will help them in their studies to become physiotherapists. The manager of the home has now set up a continuing programme for the residents based on this experience.
Image © Eastbourne Herald
