School of Health Sciences partners with 'The Village' project

Paula DiBiasio and Diane Duffy in the School of Health Sciences designed weekly curriculum to include science and physical activity to promote wellness among the program participants.

On March 31, Paula DiBiasio and Diane Duffy kicked off a 6-week series, “The Science of Movement,” for members of the “It Takes a Village” Project. 

Six third-year DPT students lead the session with 20 second- and first-year students assisting. DiBiasio and Duffy have designed weekly curriculum to include science and physical activity to promote wellness within the Village. With the help of anatomist Janet Cope, the first session utilized the “Bones & Backpacks” curriculum focusing on the impact of good nutrition, physical activity and posture on bone development and strength.

The Village children and families engaged in various activities with lots of questions and laughter. All ages participated in the event that will continue every Tuesday night until the end of the semester. For the second year, DiBiasio and her DPT students plan to continue her work in The Village summer camp this year providing daily physical activity and education sessions for the Village summer campers to foster awareness about movement and discourage sedentary behaviors.

DiBiasio and Duffy hope to continue involvement in the Village in the fall which will include a research project to track the impact of their program on self-esteem, physical activity, health and wellness.