Students help over 60s with health MOTs

Physiotherapy students from Plymouth University are helping over-60s assess their health at a series of community events.

The Functional Fitness MOTs are being carried out in Totnes and Dartington over the coming weeks, where participants are taken through a variety of tests that will give an indication of their exercise performance.

The tests, which include flexibility, muscle power, balance and aerobic endurance, come with a set of ‘normal values’ for people of different ages to give them an idea of whether they are doing well compared to their peers, or whether they could benefit from being more active.

Participants then receive a free personalised workbook of results and will learn about local physical activity and exercise opportunities in and around Totnes and Dartington.

The Functional Fitness MOTs are a not-for-profit project hosted by Zest Physiotherapy for Life, which specialises in physiotherapy for older people. The first event took place at the Rushbrook Centre in Totnes on 18 May, with more than a dozen people attending.

Heather Hunter, Academic Lead in Physiotherapy at Plymouth University, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for students to be involved in health promotion for older adults as well as engaging with the local community, and I am sure both the students and participants will benefit greatly from the experience.”

Pauline Virgo, founder of Zest Physiotherapy, said: “Through my work as a physiotherapist, I know people want to stay active as they get older but often don’t know what is available in the area and what would suit them best. The Fitness MOT is a great way to give an indication of their exercise performance and whether they are doing well compared to peers, or could benefit from being more active.

“The physiotherapy students are doing a fantastic job. I am very impressed by their energy, knowledge and confidence in promoting active ageing to the public. Such positivity is very motivating and helps our participants develop an action plan based on their MOT test results.”