Research into the effect of exercise on Parkinson's Disease

Tuesday, 10 February 2026 13:34

Research is being carried out in Rutland this April to see the effect of exercise on Parkinson's.

Inspire2tri at Manton is holding a free try weekend on the 18th and 19th of April and is looking for expressions of interest.

The activities, which include underwater treadmills, bikes, and swimming ,will take place in the centre's pool as well as in the gym. Those taking part will need to have a good to moderate stability level in the water. Visit inspire2tri.com for details.

It's hope the weekend will also raise funds and awareness for the condition, which they say doesn't just affect older people. Eleanor Halford is Parkinson's UK area development manager for the Eastern Midlands, and explains who they're looking for.

"Athletes, ex-athletes, aspiring athletes, anyone that's interested. Physical activity is so important for everybody, but we've seen such a benefit for people living with Parkinson's. It can be as important as getting the right dose of medication. I've seen amazing impact of all of the different sports that I've encountered, so walking football, running and biking,so those three activities, cycling, running, and swimming, all of these have been really beneficial for people living with Parkinson's.

Because you are using different muscle groups, you're able to challenge yourself in a different way. There is something for everyone in that kind of activity and the added benefit of them being able to be done in the endless pool in water. Also if people want to do it in the gym, they can do means that it's really opened out that event to make it available to anybody that wants to kind of give it a go."