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Rewarding research: PT Student Investigates Falls
Where would we be without research? In the field of health professions, research is essential for improving the way in which patients are diagnosed and treated. For students, research is an excellent way to get ahead of the game by gaining extra knowledge about their field of study.
Physical therapy student and research assistant Tori Sommerer explains teacher Mike Egloff’s fall risks based on the various assessment activities Engloff completed. Photos by Cheri Ghan.
One student who gets to participate in research is Tori Sommerer. The physical therapy student is assisting with a research study on fall risk conducted by Clinical Associate Professor Carmen Abbott. Sommerer, who was anxious to gain research knowledge and experience, applied and was accepted into the School of Health Professions research mentorship program.
“This type of mentorship allows an inexperienced student the opportunity to pair with a faculty researcher and learn the mechanics of working with the Institutional Review Board (IRB) and how to recruit subjects,” says Abbott. “Tori also had to practice manual and verbal skills throughout the testing that will be invaluable to her as she begins working with patients.”
From October through January, Abbott and Sommerer completed 200 fall risk assessments around the Columbia and Jefferson City area. “Carmen and I carried our box of supplies in the trunks of our cars intently searching for willing individuals who fit the requirements to participate,” says Sommerer.
In addition to these assessments, Abbott and Sommerer performed free fall risk assessments at the Southern Boone County School District Staff Health and Wellness Fair in January. This health fair provided the school staff with a convenient opportunity to get free blood work as well as other important health evaluations.
“If the staff is healthy they will miss less time from work,” says school nurse Robin Bullard. “It’s also a good morale booster that the school is showing interest in the health of the staff.”
Mike Egloff, an Industrial Techonology teacher at Southern Boone High School took advantage of the free screening. “I’m glad I did it,” he said after Sommerer put him through the battery of tests. “There are a few simple things anyone can do to help reduce their risk of injury by falling.”
“I’m thankful we had the opportunity to administer fall screenings to such a large group of individuals,” says Sommerer. “I hope they will spread the word to their parents, children, colleagues, etc. This information is important for all individuals to have because of the prevalence of falls that occur with age.”
Abbott and Sommerer are currently analyzing the results of their study and hope to present a poster of their research at the Missouri Physical Therapy Association Spring Conference in April. As a result of this research Sommerer has deepened her understanding of the aspect of falls which will greatly help in her career as a PT.
“I’ve gained awareness and respect for researchers through this unique experience,” says Sommerer. “I hope to conduct my own research in years to come. I encourage all students to somehow become involved in assisting with research.”
— Karen Hecksel
Related Links
The one-legged stand is done with eyes open and closed to assess balance and fall risk.
Clinical Associate Professor Carmen Abbott checks ankle range of motion in assessing fall risk.
Page last updated on: August 25, 2009
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