Kinesiology Community Outreach

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Kinesiology Community Outreach

Subtitle

Make a Difference While Building Your Future

Intro

The Department of Kinesiology is deeply connected to the Chippewa Valley through a variety of meaningful community outreach programs. These programs are designed to improve health and well-being across diverse populations through education and physical activity—while giving you hands-on experience that matters.

As a Blugold, you won’t just learn about kinesiology—you’ll live it. Students play a leading role in delivering these programs, working directly with community members in settings similar to those they’ll encounter in their future careers. Through strong partnerships with local healthcare systems, orthopedic and sports medicine clinics, school districts, and other organizations, you’ll have the opportunity to apply your knowledge, develop professional skills, and make a real impact beyond campus.

It’s experiential learning with purpose—preparing you for your career while strengthening the community you serve.

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Cancer Recovery and Fitness Program

The cancer recovery and fitness program aims to increase the quality of life in cancer survivors by supporting individuals physically, emotionally, and socially through exercise with students trained as cancer fitness specialists. In collaboration with the Marshfield Clinic Cancer Care Survivorship Program, and the Mayo Clinic Health System, the ��Vloge is proud to offer an exercise recovery program for cancer survivors. Supervised by Professor Matt Wiggins of the Department of Kinesiology, the Cancer Recovery & Fitness program is designed to help survivors reduce fatigue and build up their endurance either during or right after their cancer treatment has ended.

For Interested Patients

Services in the program include a personalized fitness plan, exercise with qualified personnel, and measurement of the physical and psychological impact exercise has on the participant. The Cancer Recovery &Fitness Program is conducted in the McPhee Center on the ��Vlog upper campus. Referrals to the program are necessary, and can be obtained from Nicole Pickett with the Marshfield Clinic Cancer Care program (715-839-3956), or through the Mayo Clinic Health System Cancer Center (715-838-6072). For more information please use the contact form at the bottom of this page.

Resources

��Vlog Cancer Recovery & Fitness Program Oncologist Referral Form

P.R.I.D.E. Program

The P.R.I.D.E. program serves children with cognitive, sensory, and physical disabilities ages 5-16 years by providing individualized and/or group instruction in the areas of skill development, fitness, and sport/recreational activities.

Individualized programming for each child is based on initial screening, ongoing assessments, and consultation with parents, teachers, and related service personnel. Each child receives individual instruction, attention, support, and encouragement from ��Vlog undergraduate students.

The program is suited for children with a wide variety of ability levels. The children participating in this program will be recruited and/or referred from Physical Education/Adapted Physical Education teachers, physicians, therapists, and families.

Program Goals

Provide children with disabilities individualized instruction that will assist in the development of specific movement skills.
Provide children with disabilities an opportunity to continue working on skills that are being addressed in their physical Education or therapeutic settings.
Provide children with disabilities an opportunity to learn that their disability does not have to limit them from participating in physical activity.
Provide ��Vlog students the opportunity to work with children with a wide spectrum of movement abilities.
Provide ��Vlog students the opportunity to develop understanding of the meaning of community service and an appreciation for serving others.
Provide ��Vlog and the surrounding community with an opportunity to enhance, strengthen, and highlight the importance of physical activity for children with disabilities.

P.R.I.D.E.4Adults Program

The P.R.I.D.E.4Adults program serves adults with disabilities older than 17 by providing them an individualized exercise program. The exercise program consists of an aerobic, resistance training, and range of motion components. Overall, evidence shows that exercise provides important health benefits for people with disabilities. The benefits include improved aerobic and muscle fitness, improved psychosocial health, and better ability to do tasks in daily life.

Individualized programming for each participant is based on an initial screening, interests, and referral information. Participants receive individual/group instruction, attention, support, and encouragement from ��Vlog undergraduate students supervised by a university faculty member. The program will be suited for adults with a wide variety of ability levels. Use the contact form at the bottom of this page for if you want more information about P.R.I.D.E. for adults.

Program Goals

Provide adults with disabilities individualized instruction that will assist in the development and improvement of their fitness.
Provide adults with disabilities an opportunity to continue working on areas of fitness that are being addressed in other rehabilitation settings.
Provide adults with disabilities an opportunity to exercise and interact with others in a safe, fun, and relaxed environment.
Provide ��Vlog students the opportunity to work with adults with a wide spectrum of movement abilities.
Provide ��Vlog students with learning opportunities that prepare them for professional school and/or their future professions.
Provide ��Vlog students the opportunity to develop understanding of the meaning of community service and an appreciation for serving others.
Provide ��Vlog and the surrounding community with an opportunity to enhance, strengthen, and highlight the importance of physical activity for adults with disabilities.