Funding for new research into Parkinson's and falling
24 August 2009
The Parkinson's Disease Society (PDS) has given a career development award of nearly £183,000 to
Dr Emma Stack at the University of Southampton, for
research into why people with Parkinson's are so prone to
falling.
We hope to create safer environments for people with Parkinson's and their carers to take part in leisure and exercise.
Dr Emma Stack, University of Southampton
Fear of falling
As Parkinson's progresses, people become less likely to continue
with leisure activities or exercise that they enjoy, possibly
through fear of falling.
This leaves therapists with a dilemma, as encouraging leisure
and exercise could actually lead to falls. But exercise and keeping
fit also has huge physical, psychological and social benefits for
people with Parkinson's.
What the research will do
This research aims to answer two key questions.
- What kind of activities are likely to cause most problems for a
person's balance and mobility?
- What stops people with Parkinson's from taking part in leisure
activities?
How the researchers will carry out the research
Dr Stack and her team will survey people with Parkinson's, who
have recently fallen outdoors, to learn more about the
circumstances of their falls.
They will also investigate tripping, stepping backwards and
misjudging distances – common issues associated with falls in
Parkinson's.
People will be interviewed about what led them to give up
leisure activities that they previously enjoyed, and whether fear
of falling played a major part in the decision.
Dr Stack comments:
"By understanding what causes falls outside the home, we hope to
create safer environments for people with Parkinson's and their
carers to take part in leisure and exercise, which we know can make
a real difference to quality of life."
Dr Kieran Breen, Director of Research and Development at the
Parkinson's Disease Society, said:
"As well as searching for a cure, we are committed to
funding research that will make a real difference to people living
day to day with Parkinson's, and we know that falling is a problem
that needs addressing.
"We are delighted to be funding Dr Stack's Career Development
Award."
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