Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation students, graduates and academics have helped people living with Parkinson’s to stay active and become more confident through two specialist exercise programmes delivered in partnership with Parkinson’s UK.
The University of Staffordshire has offered face-to-face, online and independent sessions aimed at helping participants build sustainable exercise habits. Led by staff, students and graduates from sport and rehabilitation courses, the programmes have already supported 17 people from across Staffordshire, with further places still available.
Participants have been offered tailored physical activity and behaviour change programmes to improve their strength, balance, confidence and overall wellbeing.
Senior Lecturer Edward Stanhope said: “Exercise can play a hugely important role in supporting people living with Parkinson’s, both physically and mentally. These programmes are designed not only to improve physical function, but also to help individuals feel more confident, capable and supported in staying active long-term.
“What’s especially valuable is that participants are supported by students and graduates applying evidence-based practice in real-world settings. It creates meaningful experiences for everyone involved.”
One of the initiatives, SHAPE-P (Staffordshire Health And Physical Activity Engagement for Parkinson’s), has focused on building exercise confidence and independence among people living with Parkinsons across the Staffordshire region. The other, STRIDE-P (Stoke-on-Trent Inclusive Delivery of Exercise for Parkinson’s), aims to improve access to inclusive exercise opportunities for residents of some of Stoke-on-Trent’s most deprived communities.
The projects have received funding from Parkinson’s UK and build on previous successful community exercise initiatives delivered through the University.
Karen Hinds, who took part in the activities, said: “It has been great to have a programme provided with expert help and tuition, and I can already see improvements in strength and balance.”
Victoria Marsh added: “It has been an added bonus to meet people in similar circumstances. I felt supported throughout.”
The programmes have also provided valuable professional experience for students and graduates working within sport, rehabilitation and healthcare-related fields.
The initiatives helped inspire Sports Therapy graduate Rosiemae Langham’s interest in supporting individuals with neurological conditions. She said: “The course developed far more than just my technical ability. It strengthened my clinical reasoning, communication skills, and confidence in delivering evidence-based practice.”
Now Head of the Sporting Department at Cheshire College - South and West, Rosiemae credits these practical experiences with helping shape her career.
The projects form part of the University’s wider commitment to improving health and wellbeing across the region through community partnerships, applied research and real-world learning opportunities.