Tentative Schedule for the 2022 ATRA Annual Conference (subject to change)
Seated Yoga for Chronic Pain in Older Adults
Session Description/Research Abstract
This session focuses on chronic pain in older adults (in home, community, long-term care) and how to use a seated yoga intervention to control pain symptoms. Chronic pain in older adults results from multiple factors and impacts physical, social, emotional, and cognitive domains of function. CMS federal guidelines for skilled nursing facilities support non-pharmacological approaches to pain management. This session provides an opportunity to work through the Assessment, Planning, Implementation and Evaluation process for chronic pain and design a session plan to take back to your work site.
Primary Presenter
Betsy Kemeny, PhD, Slippery Rock University
Credentials
PhD, CTRS, Certified Seated Yoga Instructor (LVCY)
Biographical Information
Betsy Kemeny, PhD, CTRS, FDRT, CPG is an Associate Professor and Program Director at Slippery Rock University in Recreational Therapy and American Therapeutic Recreation Association Immediate Past-President (2020-21), serving on the ATRA board since 2014. Betsy is a certified professional gerontologist, a certified seated yoga instructor (LVCY), a Fellow of Distinction in Recreational Therapy, a member of the International Society for Autism Research, and serves on the HHRF Scientific Board. Her research interests focus on Equine Assisted Services with youth on the autism spectrum and older adults. She also served as a co-investigator with Drs. Hawkins and Porter on the ATRA Delphi and Competencies Studies. Prior to graduate work, she worked full-time for more than 25 years with frail older adults in various settings along the care continuum (adult day, assisted living, skilled nursing, hospice). She has authored/co-authored 2 technical reports, 21 peer-review journal articles, a textbook on Recreational Therapy for Older Adults, 2 book chapters, and 10 research abstracts. Currently, she facilitates student service-learning programs at local assisted living and skilled nursing facilities and collaborates with Storm Harbor Equestrian Center for the Adaptive Sports programs for disabled veterans. Since 2012, she has facilitated an after-school program for youth on the autism spectrum called TRAILS at Storm Harbor Equestrian Center, at Slippery Rock University.
Head Shot
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Co-Presenter/panelists
Heather Bright, PhD, CTRS, Slippery Rock University
Credentials
PhD, CTRS, Certified Seated Yoga Instructor (LVCY)
Biographical Information
Dr. Bright has worked as an instructor in the Recreational Therapy at Slippery Rock University (SRU) since 2015. She graduated from SRU in 2005 with a bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation. She completed her master's degree from East Carolina University, and her doctorate from Clemson University. Research interests include clinical supervision and leadership, aquatic therapy, and interprofessional education. Prior to becoming an instructor, Heather worked in various clinical and community-based settings as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS). Experience includes, physical rehabilitation (brain injury, spinal cord injury, stroke, chronic pain, etc.), long-term care, adult day programs (programs for all-inclusive care for the elderly), and an accessible camp for children and adults with disability and chronic illness.