UpDate - Vol. 16, No. 13
December 5, 1996
Into the pool!
Volunteers assist with new MS aquatics program

     It's "everyone into the pool" at aquatic exercise sessions
for persons with multiple sclerosis and their "buddies"-UD
students and other volunteers who help with the program at the
Newark Senior Center pool.
     The students and participants have a good rapport, and
there's laughter and fun during the therapy session. Ken Seaman,
physical therapy, who organized this, the first MS aquatics
program in Delaware, is on hand in the pool to prescribe
exercises and give instructions to the students.
     "MS strikes young adults, mostly Caucasian women of Northern
European extraction. The body's immune system attacks myelin, the
substance that allows proper conduction of nerve impulses, and
there are different levels of severity," he said. "One of the
unusual factors is that MS appears to have geographical
characteristics-there are far fewer cases near the Equator and
the number increases the further north or south of the Equator
you go.
     "In the past, it was believed that exercise had a negative
effect on those with MS. But, research has shown that moderate
exercise is desirable, and aquatics are especially beneficial as
participants are able to perform better in water than on land,"
Seaman said.
     It was difficult to find a pool with the cool water which
persons with MS require, but the pool at the Newark Senior Center
is close to the right temperature. The pool is designed with a
hydraulic lift to place participants in the water, and there is a
long stairway with a railing that facilitates getting into the
water.
     The program benefits not only those with MS but student
volunteers as well. "Some are interested in careers in physical
therapy or other health-related fields, and this volunteer
program gives them hands-on experience, providing therapy to
individuals with MS. It also familiarizes them with hydrotherapy
concepts and aquatic exercises.
     "As part of their work, the students write up notes on the
participants and set goals for the future. The best part is they
know they are helping others while learning," Seaman said.
     The students are enthusiastic, not only about the learning
experience but about the people they are helping. "The people who
come here have the best attitudes, and they are fun to be with
and are willing to try any exercise," one student commented.
     One of the participants, Joan Robinson Holmes of Hockessin,
returned the compliment. "The students are just wonderful," she
said. "They are helpful and encouraging. The program is great and
the water therapy has benefited me."
     Others with University connections help out as well. Paul
Mettler, chairperson of the physical therapy department. physical
therapist Sally Brown, Delaware '84, and Anne Biddle, a 1980
nursing graduate and aquacize instructor, also are volunteers.
     Margaret Katz, director of the center, also is supportive.
"It's a wonderful use of our facility, and many of the people in
the program have told us how it has helped them," she said
     Student volunteers, in the program are
      Kelly Albert, a sophomore from Franklin Park, N.J.,
 majoring in biology;
      Catherine Duncan, a sophomore from Manalapan, N.J.,
 athletic training major;
      Laura Houle, a senior from Hockessin, majoring in biology;
      Kristin Johnston, a senior from Matthews, N.C., majoring
 in physical education;
      Anne Lambros, a freshman from Baltimore, majoring in
 biology; and her twin,
      Katie Lambros, a freshman from Baltimore, majoring in
 biology;
      Kim Mandato, a senior from Lanoka Harbor, N.J., majoring
 in athletic training;
      Jen Reichenbach, a sophomore from Miami, majoring in
 nursing; and
      Charlotte Tallyen, a freshman from Laurel, Del., majoring
 in psychology.
     Seaman, a 1982 graduate of UD's physical therapy program,
has been interested in helping those with the disease since the
beginning of his career. He is involved with the Jimmy Huega
Center, a national organization named after an Olympic silver
medalist alpine skier who later developed the disease.
     The organization sponsors several medical programs per year,
providing five days of comprehensive assesments, educational
program development sessions for those with MS across the
country.
     Also active with the MS Society of Delaware, Seaman recently
has been elected a trustee.
                                              -Sue Swyers Moncure