The College of Allied Medical Professions (CAMP) Department of Physical Therapy launched Let’s Get PTkal last June 22, 2020 as part of the college’s Project CAMPana. Aligned with public health efforts to promote physical activity and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic, the project aims to increase the physical activity engagement of university constituents and the general public. Maintaining an active lifestyle has been shown to help boost the immune system and improve mental health.
Previous CAMPana projects focused on the health benefits of physical activity in various populations. Let’s Get PTkal brings this advocacy further by focusing on the how-to of exercise, especially for beginners at home. This collaborative project between physical therapy faculty and interns features easy-to-follow home workout videos for varying levels of physical activity. A virtual coach, by the name of Coach Juan, is also available for consultation, follow up, and monitoring of clients for the duration of the program via a Facebook page.
Let’s Get PTkal aims to build up its audience’s quarantine gains to reach the World Health Organization’s physical activity recommendations and consists of strengthening and aerobic exercises. Participants are gradually introduced to exercise, starting from the basics to more challenging ones. The first week is focused on executing movement patterns correctly and being oriented as to how the exercise should feel. Once these are learned, succeeding weeks will shift focus to facilitating meeting the minimum recommendations and fostering a general positive attitude toward physical activity.
The program does not end with the posting of videos and infographics on how to exercise. Coach Juan can be a virtual personal coach who can best tailor-fit the exercises in a given program. This virtual coach can also give clarifications on how to do the exercises correctly; or even just simply reassure the participants that they are doing a great job! The program includes these motivational components along with a Spotify playlist. There is also social media sharing through the hashtags #MassGainingNow and #LetsGetPTkal.
The pilot video of Let’s Get PTkal has so far garnered more than 100 likes and shares on Facebook and about 1,400 views on YouTube. Meanwhile, Coach Juan’s page is gaining more reach at 200 subscribers and counting. Attuned to the university’s mission to lead in public service especially during these challenging times, the program is committed to contribute to improved health through accessible home workout routines and online consultation for university constituents and the general public.
Jeffrey Ralph Luces, Carlos Dominic Olegario, and Mary-Grace Kang
Published in Healthscape Special COVID-19 Issue No. 10
