School of Public Health - Physical Therapy DPT

Physical Therapy DPT - Doctoral Projects

AREA OF FOCUS: Education

TITLE: Creation and Dissemination of Information on Sports and Recreational Opportunities for Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury and other Types of Chronic Disability

FACULTY ADVISOR(S): Michael Majsak, PT, EdD

NUMBER OF STUDENTS THAT CAN BE ACCOMMODATED: 2

DESCRIPTION: The Achilles Track Club (ATC) was established by Richard Traum in 1983 to encourage people with disabilities to participate in long-distance running with the general public. Achilles includes people with all kinds of disabilities, such as visual impairment, stroke, cerebral palsy, paraplegia, arthritis, amputation, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, cancer, and many others. Runners participate with crutches, in wheelchairs, on prostheses, and without aids. Founded in New York City, the ATC has expanded into 40 chapters in the United States and over 100 chapters in 63 countries. There are currently over 10,000 members, including 3000 ‘Achilles Kids’.

Individuals in rehabilitation centers experiencing their initial recovery from SCI and other types of chronic disability are not often exposed to sports and recreational activities in which they might participate following discharge from traditional rehabilitation services. The purpose of this project is to design and disseminate information in sports and recreational activities to individuals in rehabilitation units, or newly discharged from rehabilitation services. This might include on-site information visits, internet access to information, DVDs or other types of media, and involvement of other groups dedicated to this type of project (Achilles Track Club, United Spinal Association)

Special Considerations: The proposed research project will require students to carry out research activities at the several road race events throughout the year, including the New York City Marathon in November.

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