Prime Highlights:
- Two new exercise programmes in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent will help people with Parkinson’s manage symptoms and improve wellbeing.
- The schemes aim to overcome barriers such as fear of falling and lack of confidence, giving participants independence and strength.
Key Facts:
- Each programme supports 12 participants with an 18-week exercise plan and a three-month follow-up.
- Parkinson’s affects around 166,000 people in the UK, causing symptoms like shaking, stiffness, balance problems, and fatigue.
Background:
People living with Parkinson’s disease in the UK will have the opportunity to join new exercise programmes starting in January, designed to help manage symptoms and maintain physical and mental wellbeing.
Set up by the University of Staffordshire and funded by Parkinson’s UK, the two schemes will each support 12 participants. One programme is for Staffordshire residents, while the other focuses on people from deprived communities in Stoke-on-Trent.
Senior lecturer Edward Stanhope, who is leading the programme, explained, “Exercise is recognised as one of the most effective non-drug strategies to manage Parkinson’s symptoms.” He added that people with Parkinson’s often face barriers to staying active, such as a lack of expert guidance and confidence.
The programmes are structured to start with face-to-face sessions at the Stoke-on-Trent campus, then transition to online sessions, and finally encourage participants to continue exercising independently. Participants should have mild to moderate Parkinson’s, be aged 30–75, lead sedentary lifestyles or perform less than 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, and have access to a smartphone, tablet, or computer with internet.
Nic Sherratt from Parkinson’s UK noted that fear of falling is a common concern, and the programme aims to provide participants with independence, confidence, and improved wellbeing.
Parkinson’s affects 166,000 people in the UK and causes shaking, stiffness, and tiredness. The programmes help them stay active.
