Riley Korhonen ’22 participates in an exercise science capstone project that combines research with community service. The research outcomes will benefit older people long after Korhonen graduates.

Korhonen instructs weekly sessions of group Nordic trekking — that’s walking with specially designed poles similar to cross-country ski poles — for older people. Along with guiding walks and teaching participants to use the poles, Korhonen gathers data about the impacts of participating in a novel, outdoor activity on older adults’ physical function, mental and emotional well-being and quality of life.

For Korhonen, this project is a step toward her career ambition of improving population health by making physical activity accessible. An exercise science major with a psychology minor and certificate in integrative health and wellness coaching, she plans to pursue a graduate degree related to designing activities that promote wellness.

“My big, sparkly long-term goal is to go to communities and develop physical activity programs that meet their needs, and that they have access to and want to do,” she said. “I want to help bridge the gap between people knowing what they should do and making it achievable for them.”

Using poles increases the exercise benefits of walking by engaging muscles in the arms, shoulders and torso. Exercising outdoors in a natural environment invigorates the mind and body, boosts energy and improves mood. Gathering regularly with others to engage in a physical activity inspires participants to attend the sessions and enjoy the social dynamics. When the weekly walking sessions conclude, study participants will keep the poles to encourage them to continue walking outdoors and reaping the health benefits.

“The poles provide an additional base of support for people who might have issues with balance,” Korhonen said. “It allows them to be super mobile and outside in a way that they otherwise wouldn’t, given the unique challenges of this population.”

Working with older people intrigues her: “I spend a lot of time with young adults and children, and this is a cool population of human beings that I don’t know a lot about,” said Korhonen, who also coaches track and field for Burlington high school and manages a youth cross-country running camp. “I’m excited to be working with older people and helping my community.”

Korhonen designed the research study with professor Elizabeth Harding, her academic advisor. She applied for a grant from the UVM Office for Fellowships, Opportunities and Undergraduate Research to purchase Nordic walking poles. Korhonen will work with Dr. Harding to publish the research and present it at the UVM student research conference.