Judo offered to help manage Parkinson's symptoms

People in Wolverhampton who are living with Parkinson's can take part in a free course with the British Judo Association to help improve their movement and physical activity.

Finding your Feet with Parkinson's has been designed to use the power of sport and judo to support people living with the disease to remain active and reduce their fears of falling, organisers said.

The course is a collaboration between WLV Sport, the University of Wolverhampton, the British Judo Association and Parkinson's UK.

It will begin on 26 February and run for six weeks at the British Judo Association dojo on the university's Walsall Campus.

Parkinson's disease is a degenerative condition which affects how your brain communicates with the muscles in the body, but exercise can help people manage symptoms.

Tina Smith, senior lecturer in sports biomechanics at the university said: "We aim to provide a service that overcomes previous experiences, abilities or disabilities and provides the university community an opportunity to experience the associated benefits of being physically active."

Emma Parkinson, Parkinson's UK regional lead and area development manager for the Midlands, said physical activity has a positive impact on both physical and emotional wellbeing and can help people manage their symptoms.

"This project will support people to manage their fear of falling and practical steps they can take so they can keep active," she said.

"This will make a real difference to lives and help us learn more about how we can support people living with Parkinson's to live well," she continued.

Karen Roberts, development director at the British Judo Association, said the team was delighted to join up with the university and hoped the course had a positive impact on people.

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