Date of Award

4-2026

Degree Type

Capstone Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Tim Barnes

Second Advisor

Holly Grieves, OTD, OTRL

Abstract

This doctoral capstone experience focused on implementation of a cardio drumming program at the Ecumenical Senior Center (ESC), a day center for older adults, in Kalamazoo Michigan. Cardio drumming is a unique way of exercise that combines drumming to upbeat music with an exercise ball, laundry basket, and drumsticks. Cardio drumming is low impact and can be adapted to many different abilities. This form of exercise can be done in a seated or standing position. The program began once a week for 30 minutes but soon increased to two times a week for 35 minutes and lasted 9 weeks due to increased participation. To improve sustainability, a resource binder was created and provided to the staff to utilize. This program provided a new and interactive way of exercise for the seniors to improve overall health and wellbeing. This resource binder is a physical copy which includes a playlist of songs for the classes, visuals of different moves, a QR code to a Youtube account where there are cardio drumming routines as examples, literature supporting aerobic exercise and cardio drumming for older adults, and a quick fact sheet for any important miscellaneous information. Patients reported that this class was relaxing and very enjoyable and feedback from the site mentor expressed satisfaction with how much participation was had during the program. There was minimal to no differences in the pre and post survey outcome measure. This program supports occupational therapy’s (OT) role by increasing the emotional satisfaction of many individuals at the ESC and allowing for an increase of socialization as well as being another opportunity for health promotion.

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