Evaluating a Brief Psychological Intervention for Family Caregivers of People with Parkinson’s: Comparing Online and In-Person Delivery
This study examines the effectiveness of a brief psychological intervention (BPI) for spouses and caregivers of people with Parkinson’s. The BPI comprises two 1-1 sessions (in the first and final session) and four group sessions, which focus on coping strategies, stress management, and overall well-being. The main objective is to evaluate the impact of the BPI on enhancing carers’ wellbeing and emotional resilience, and to compare the delivery formats.
What Does Participation Involve?
• Choosing to take part either in-person or online
• Completing questionnaires at the beginning and end of the six weeks, with an interview at the end.
• Attending six, weekly, in-person sessions at PCIT or six online sessions – up to 2 hours per session.
Who Can Take Part?
• People who caregivers of individuals with Parkinson’s
• Aged 18+
• Able to attend PCIT (if taking part in in-person sessions)
When Will the Study Take Place?
May-July 2026
Location
In-person: Parkinson’s Centre for Integrated Therapy (PCIT), Canterbury
Online: Microsoft Teams (assistance provided)
Contact
Researchers: Binnaz Akyol and Duygu Kamaci
Email Address: wellbeingproject@kent.ac.uk
Understanding Experiences of Parkinson’s Care and Support at PCIT
This study aims to gather the experiences of people living with Parkinson’s and their companions who attend the Parkinson’s Centre for Integrated Therapy (PCIT). The goal is to understand what aspects of the centre are working well and what could be improved to support people more effectively.
What Does Participation Involve?
• Completing questionnaires
• A 20–40 minute interview
Who Can Take Part?
• People with Parkinson’s
• Companions, spouses, partners, or carers
When Will the Study Take Place?
February – April 2026
Location
Parkinson’s Centre for Integrated Therapy (PCIT), Canterbury
Contact
Researcher:
Neha Rane
Email:
nr10@kent.ac.uk
Comparing the Effect of Virtual Reality and Real-Life Table Tennis
The aim of the study is to compare the influence of virtual reality (VR) and real-life table tennis on Parkinson’s Disease symptoms across a 6-week training period. Please note that previous experience is not required; all abilities are welcome.
What Does Participation Involve?
If you choose to participate in this study, you will be randomly assigned to one of three training interventions.
Real-life table tennis;
VR table tennis;
Delayed treatment control.
Those assigned to the real-life and VR conditions will attend two, 60-minute table tennis sessions each week, for a 6-week period. Within these sessions, you will complete a series of table tennis drills (i.e., returning the ball from a ball machine or rallying with an opponent). Those assigned to the delayed treatment control will be given the option to complete either the real-life or VR training after the 6-week period has finished.
All participants will attend assessments at Week 0, Week 3, and Week 6 of the intervention period. During these sessions, you will complete a number of simple functional, balance, and aerobic assessments, and will be assessed on your table tennis ability.
Who Can Take Part?
People with Parkinson’s Disease;
With a Hoehn-Yahr score of 3 or below (Assessed by researcher during baseline visit);
With a low falls-risk (Assessed by researcher during baseline visit);
Free from any contagious eye infection for 2 weeks prior to commencement;
Free from any respiratory infection or injury for 2 weeks prior to commencement;
Able to walk independently without mobility aids (i.e., wheelchair, walker).
When Will the Study Take Place?
The study will be running from April to June.
Location
All visits will take place within Keynes College, opposite the Parkinson’s Centre at Tanglewood (University of Kent, CT2 7NP).
Contact
Researcher: Edward Baker
Email: eb399@kent.ac.uk