Story by Natalie Kientzy

For more than a decade, physical therapy students at the University of Missouri have been working to improve the strength, balance and mobility of residents in a local assisted living facility.

Through the Mizzou Steps program at The Bluffs nursing home, the students lead customized exercise classes under the supervision of Department of Physical Therapy faculty members Carmen Abbott and Evan Prost. Since the service-learning project started in 2014, students have taught these classes twice weekly for four-week spans during the spring and fall semesters.

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students benefit from the hands-on nature of the program, challenging participants to improve their strength while still prioritizing safety.

Makenzie Crook, a first-year DPT student, said it has been eye-opening to see what she’s learning about in class displayed by real patients.

“We’re learning about a lot of this stuff right now, so to know ‘Oh, you have that subset diagnosis’ and see how they walk and how they talk is so helpful,” Crook said. “Getting a personal view on how these things affect our patients has been great.”

Mizzou Steps exercise classes welcome participants with a wide range of abilities: Some residents have minimal impairments, while others might struggle to maintain their strength and balance. This variety provides physical therapy students valuable experience, challenging them to think on their feet to modify exercises based on real-time feedback and results.

Sessions incorporate a variety of activities to keep participants engaged and motivated. Depending on the day, attendees might dance to music, play games like kickball, navigate obstacle courses or perform other targeted exercises to improve strength and coordination.

For many students, working with older adults offers a unique perspective compared with training with peers in a more academic setting.

First-year DPT student Belinda Menuey said Mizzou Steps provides a great way to get a head start for anyone who might be interested in working with older adults.

“A lot of us haven’t gotten used to touching a patient, talking with a patient or taking their vitals,” Menuey said. “It’s nice getting used to working hands-on in a setting where we have our PT faculty and second-year students to say, ‘Go ahead, try again.’ The patients are also really understanding of the fact that we’re learning.”

The real-world experience provided by Mizzou Steps is of particular importance to Menuey. Having served 10 years in the military herself, she hopes to use her DPT to work with veterans.

“We all take advantage of the little things: being able to brush our teeth, being able to comb our hair,” Menuey said. “That’s why I chose physical therapy — it’s literally giving back the things so many of us take for granted but so many of us need.”

Mizzou Steps’ impact extends beyond its benefits to students. For many participants, the hour of physical activity is a highlight of their week. It gives them a chance to connect with others, stay active and regain a sense of independence.

Lois Back, a two-time participant in Mizzou Steps and a lifelong exercise lover, said she always looks forward to attending the classes.

“I just love the students,” Back said. “They are so sweet, so patient and so fun.” By bridging the gap between education and community service, the program highlights the power of collaboration in creating healthy, connected communities. For Department of Physical Therapy students, Mizzou Steps is more than a learning opportunity — it’s a reminder of how the skills they are developing can make a difference in the lives of others.