Student-designed major investigates importance of physical activity for people with Down syndrome

Ciara Herbert ’24, a student-designed major in physical therapy at The College of Wooster, used her Independent Study to make a case that people with Down syndrome benefit cognitively and physically from continued physical therapy as adults. Down syndrome is most often associated with developmental delays in thinking and learning.

Herbert and her mentor, Sharon Lynn, Horace N. Mateer Professor of Biology and Neuroscience, shared an interest in and many conversations about the topic. They learned individuals with Down syndrome are very predisposed to heart and respiratory complications and obesity. After Herbert reviewed 160 studies about physical activity programs for people with Down syndrome, she learned that aerobic exercise could reduce heart disease, and physical activity helps with cognition and quality of life.   

“Clinical guidelines to continue physical therapy for adults with Down Syndrome would ultimately help make health care more equitable, encourage more physical activity, and improve health throughout their lives,” Herbert said.

Q: What excites you about your I.S.? 

Herbert: Previously, I never considered all the physical conditions that occur with Down syndrome. I randomly found this topic in my literature research and became interested to learn more. The literature indicated correlations between consistent exercise, increased independence and self-esteem, and improved motor skills and executive functioning. In the end, I felt like I did good work that resulted in a solid recommendation that physical therapists create guidelines to continue physical therapy for adults with Down Syndrome. 

Q: How did Wooster prepare you for designing your project? 

Herbert: Since freshman year, we’ve written research papers and had big projects that led up to the Independent Study. I also think taking a lot of difficult classes prepared me for the discipline I needed to be able to do the intensive project. I read 160 different sources for the research, and I enjoyed every second. Because of my classes, I knew how to use the information for my research. 

In what ways has your relationship with your I.S. mentor supported you throughout this process? 

Herbert: My relationship with Dr. Lynn throughout the I.S. process was pivotal to my success. Her enthusiasm and our shared love of learning truly made the process special to me, and I could not imagine working with anybody else. She was willing to work with my non-traditional I.S. ideas and helped me succeed through my student-designed program. 

Q: What has I.S. taught you? 

Herbert: I liked the idea of doing a literature review and had a structured plan. It changed throughout the process, but I realized the project was malleable. Through the I.S. I learned that I could be creative and scientific at the same time.   

Herbert plans to attend Washington University in St. Louis in the fall to pursue a Doctor of Physical Therapy.

Posted in Independent Study on June 15, 2024.