Courtesy Photo Andrew Doubek, DPT at Thunder Bay Therapy and Sports Medicine in Alpena, was recently recognized for his work on community-based research collaboration between the Alpena Senior Citizens Center Empowered Movement Program, Thunder Bay Therapy and the University of Michigan-Flint Doctorate in Physical Therapy Program.

Andrew Doubek, DPT at Thunder Bay Therapy and Sports Medicine in Alpena, was recently recognized for his work on community-based research collaboration between the Alpena Senior Citizens Center Empowered Movement Program, Thunder Bay Therapy and the University of Michigan-Flint Doctorate in Physical Therapy Program.

The Empowered Movement Program (EMP) is an initiative to reduce fall risk and subsequent injuries. Doubek reports natural aging processes are often associated with decreased mobility, increased fall risk and injuries resulting in hospitalization and long-term institutionalization. The encouraging piece for Doubek is that such setbacks are preventable with the right interventions. That is where the Empowered Movement Program comes in; the ultimate goal of the program is to promote safe mobility and independent living for its participants.

Doubek, a graduate of the University of Michigan-Flint DPT program, saw an opportunity to study the effects of the EMP and reached out to his professor, Min-Hui Huang, PT, PhD, to solicit UM’s collaboration on the project. Doubek and colleagues from Thunder Bay Therapy conducted quarterly screens of participants and served as guest speakers to the EMP. The University secured Internal Review Board approval, ran statistical analysis and designed the poster summarizing the results of the study.

The study included 63 subjects: 53 females and 10 males with a median age of 76 +/- 9 years. Findings suggested that the EMP was effective for improving mobility and arm and leg strength. The poster, depicting the results, was accepted for presentation at the Michigan Physical Therapy Association 2019 Fall Conference in Grand Rapids, and also at the American Physical Therapy Association 2020 Combined Sections Meeting in Denver, Colorado, attended by 18,000 physical therapy professionals, where it won a Blue Ribbon for Social Responsibility by the APTA Global Special Interest Group.

Dr. Huang stated, “The University of Michigan-Flint Physical Therapy Department will continue to seek collaboration opportunities with Alpena Senior Center to support programs and to promote the health and wellbeing of local seniors.”

Features of the EMP include group exercise three times per week addressing balance, strength and power. Participants learn from monthly guest speakers who are experts in exercise, pharmacology and nutrition amongst others. Every three months participants undergo a balance and mobility screen and are educated on the results and implications of the screen.

New participants are welcome to join the Empowered Movement Program once the senior center opens back up. For more information about the program, contact BJ Sander at the Senior Citizens Center at 989-356-3585, or visit www.alpenaseniors.com.