MUSC OTD graduate creates training video to expand Parkinson’s program access

By Colby Denton

As part of her capstone project in the Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), recent graduate Sa’Vanna Jackson developed a training video toolkit aimed at improving accessibility for participants with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) in the popular Rock Steady Boxing (RSB) program.

Hosted at the MUSC Wellness Center and voted Charleston’s “Best Exercise Program” for more than four years, RSB offers a non-contact boxing format designed to improve balance, mobility, strength, and activities of daily living for individuals living with PD. Its multi-level format attracts a diverse range of participants, from those not needing assistance to others requiring hands-on support.

Jackson’s capstone goal was to equip RSB coaches and volunteers with the tools needed to confidently and safely address a wide spectrum of participant needs. The result was a professionally filmed training video, produced in partnership with Jonathan Coultas, MUSC’s director of academic media, and featuring practical demonstrations and real-time coaching strategies for both physical and cognitive obstacles common among PD participants. One common challenge, Jackson noted, is managing gait impairments, including shuffling, freezing, and balance issues.

“I worked on the script for weeks,” Jackson said. “Now coaches and volunteers can have a resource that teaches them how to handle a myriad of unique situations, like someone experiencing orthostatic hypertension.”

The Capstone Project is a cornerstone of the ODT curriculum, requiring students to deeply research a topic, implement a solution in a real-world setting, and spend 14 weeks working closely with a site mentor. Jackson’s mentor was Cindi Day, the Wellness Center’s clinical exercise program coordinator, who guided Jackson through every stage of her capstone’s development.

“I cannot speak highly enough of Cindi, who has been an anchor in helping me grow professionally in my last educational semester,” Jackson shared. “I had a chance to help people, so I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in their lives.” Jackson also credited Chrissie Wojciechowski, fellow coaches, and student volunteers in the twice-weekly RSB program for their insights and collaboration throughout the process.

Creating this resource had personal significance for Jackson, whose grandmother lives with PD. “Being in the Occupational Therapy program at MUSC – we touched on Parkinson’s slightly – but it really affected me more deeply because of my grandmother,” she added. “I had even volunteered with RSB before I started this project.”

Day said the new training video will be integrated into onboarding for both student volunteers and RSB coaches, calling it a valuable tool for ensuring participant safety and program continuity. For Jackson, her digital resource ensures that RSB will have continued access to training that meets participants where they are—no matter what stage of PD they’re in. “I’m thrilled with how well the video turned out,” she said. “Having it as a digital link will be so helpful for RSB.”

For more information on Parkinson’s Disease, Jackson encourages everyone to check out the Parkinson’s Foundation’s website. There are also various Lowcountry Parkinson’s support groups in the area.

The MUSC Wellness Center is located at 45 Courtenay Dr. Charleston, SC 29425 and can be reached at (843) 792-5757 or visit us online.