Wheelchair activity is a lesson in humility for Polk State PTA students

Employees in the physical therapy industry work daily with people who have a myriad of ailments and disabilities. For one day, the Polk State College Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) Program made it a point to have students try to experience what many of their future patients go through.

On Sept. 11, students participated in wheelchair relay events where they went through an obstacle course in a wheelchair. The course included a sharp turn and ramp where students tried to stay on the course.

“Once in the field, they’ll work with people with various conditions,” said Regina Tino, Clinical Academic Coordinator for the PTA Program. “We want to prepare them to work with people who have wheelchairs and complications. My hope is that they have some humility.”

In addition to using their arms and legs for one portion, students tried to navigate the course in a wheelchair with only their arms, only their legs and with just one side of their bodies. Tino noted that not all wheelchair-bound people can use all four limbs to get around.

“For example, someone who had a stroke may only be able to use one side of their body,” she explained. “In this exercise, they have to compensate for that. Someone who has just been in a serious car accident and has a spinal injury has to adjust to this as their new normal. We try to put our students in the mindset of someone who will be in a wheelchair for the rest of their lives.”

When it comes to successfully navigating a wheelchair, Tino noted that many in the class assume being in good physical condition would make it an easy transition. That’s not always the case.

“Functional strength is not the same as being able to bench press 300 pounds,” Tino told the class. “You’re going to experience what it’s like to be a patient. We have people who are good athletes, but don’t realize the functionality that comes with it.”

Brooke McElhaney, a first-year student in the PTA program, came to that conclusion.

“It was very difficult,” she reflected. “I grew up in sports; this took endurance and strength from muscles I forgot about. We got better insight on other people’s injuries and how people have to compensate. This was a good visual for what they go through.”

Josh Quintana, who regularly exercises, echoed those sentiments.

“In just two minutes, I was sweating,” he said. “It took a long time to finish the course. It makes you think; we take so much for granted. The ramp was difficult – even for someone my age.”

Although the activity was to provide perspective to the PTA students, it was also a competition. Tino noted that the activity is great for team building among students in the program. This is the second year that PTA has held the activity.

“We got really positive feedback last year and that’s why we did it again,” Tino said. “Thursdays are our long day, so it gets them out of the classroom for a bit. When people think physical therapy, they don’t always think about the psychological aspect. This builds camaraderie within the group.”

For PTA students, the activity made them more sensitive to those with disabilities. McElhaney’s biggest takeaway was the importance of lending a helping hand.

“If you’re around people with disabilities, ask how you can help – even if it’s grabbing something up high or holding a door,” she urged. “They may be struggling or afraid to ask others for help.”

Quintana offered advice for those entering or considering work in the health sciences.

“For future healthcare workers, be sensitive to people in wheelchairs,” Quintana concluded. “Empathizing with patients is extremely important.”

Polk State’s PTA Program graduates boast a 100% pass rate on licensure exams. The application period for the program is open from Jan. 15 through Feb. 28. Those who apply for the program are required to attend at least virtual information session.