Stroke Camp is an elective course offered to the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students at Des Moines University.  During the camp, individuals post-CVA receive intensive physical therapy treatment delivered by the DPT students under the supervision of faculty and clinician volunteers.

Join the camp for a day (or more!) as a supervising therapist! In addition to benefiting patients with stroke, you will make an invaluable contribution to DPT students who are eager to learn and practice. You also can earn up to four continuing medical education hours.

Encourage your clients with stroke to register for this free program. They’ll work with a team of DPT students, faculty and supervising clinicians who will plan therapy sessions customized to meet their needs. Each participant also will receive a post-camp home exercise program. 

Intensive, individualized physical therapy can help stroke survivors improve their gait, balance, strength and dexterity. That’s the purpose of Des Moines University’s annual “stroke camp,” hosted on campus since 2012 by DMU’s DPT program. Watch the video below to learn more.

Agenda

Objectives

• List potential benefits of backward and lateral walking upon muscle strength and gait.
• Describe how to best incorporate lateral walking gait training into the physical therapy treatment plan for a person post-CVA.
• Describe the following clinical measures: Trunk Impairment Scale, Function in Sitting Test, and Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke.
• Explain a sequence for core stabilization exercises for patients post stroke.

During the camp the participants will participate in a one-hour group exercise and/or tai chi lesson and/or instruction in weight supported treadmill training led by the course instructor. The clinician will be able to:

• List three mat exercises utilizing proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) to increase trunk strength.
• Demonstrate a pelvic PNF pattern designed to improve the patient’s gait pattern.
• Explain the benefits of tai chi for balance and fall prevention.
• State safety precautions for the patient and therapist during unweighted treadmill training.

Instructor

Kathy Mercuris, PT, DHS, C/NDT, CEEAA received her BS in Physical Therapy from Northwestern University and her Doctorate in Health Sciences at the University of Indianapolis. She is certified in adult hemiplegia by the Neurodevelopment Association, is a certified Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention instructor, and has Certification as Exercise Expert in Aging Adults.  She has 38 years of experience working with individuals with neurologic dysfunction and teaching in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Des Moines University.