Kemeny and students present at American Therapeutic Recreation Association conference

Nov. 1, 2024

Betsy Kemeny, a Slippery Rock University professor of recreational therapy, presented two research projects with SRU students at the American Therapeutic Recreation Association conference, Oct. 12-15, in Kansas City, Missouri.

Kemeny and Chase Decker, a junior recreational therapy major from Spring Mills; Emma Lemire, a junior recreational therapy major from Groton, Connecticut; and Alyssa Snyder, a senior recreational therapy major from Leslie, West Virgina, presented a study titled “Adaptive Riding: Effectiveness for Falls Prevention for Individuals with Parkinson's Disease or Neurological Impairments,” which explored how equine-assisted services can enhance mobility and confidence in older adults with neurological conditions.

Her second presentation included contributions by Leanne Digman, senior recreational therapy major from Denver; Riley Page, a senior recreational therapy major from Windber; and Madison Setto, a 2024 graduate with a degree in recreational therapy, for a study titled “Comparative Effectiveness of Seated Yoga and Education for Older Adults' Fall Prevention in HUD Housing,” which found that combining seated yoga and education significantly improved mobility and lower limb strength in older adults, enhancing their chances of fall prevention.

The ATRA is the only national membership organization representing the interests and needs of therapeutic recreation specialists, also known as recreational therapists.