Dr Fiona French and Dr Cassandra Terry share their innovative Parkinson's research with a local community group at Arsenal.
Date: 25 September 2024
On 18 September 2024, Dr Fiona French (School of Computing and Digital Media) and Dr Cassandra Terry (School of Human Sciences) were invited to talk about their research with the Parkinson’s community at Arsenal Football club. They shared their research plans with People with Parkinson’s (PwP) after their weekly Parkinson’s Walking Football session.
Having recently secured a grant from Parkinson’s UK to fund their research, Fiona and Cassie wanted to liaise with the Parkinson’s community to expand their Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) network. In order for the project to progress, they need input from PwP in the development and testing of their device at all stages of the project.
Their research idea is to develop a portable, fun device to strengthen facial muscles in those with hypomimia. Using virtual reality, users will control an avatar using their facial muscles and in doing so, strengthen their facial muscles. This is important because PwP have reported that limited facial movement affects not only their ability to speak and swallow, but their ability to express themselves well, impacting their mental wellbeing.
Feedback from the session was really positive. Many people have already signed up to be involved. Rhys Ratcliffe, the health and wellbeing manager who manages these sessions, has invited Fiona and Cassie back to discuss the project further and get feedback on designs. They plan to bring the rest of the research team with them next time (Hiren Kacha, Bal Virdee, Dion Mariyanayagam from SCDM and Ben Hunter from SHSC).
In line with London Met's commitment to knowledge exchange, this session has contributed to a developing partnership within our local community. As an interdisciplinary and cross-School project, Fiona and Cassie's work further chimes with London Met's Research and Knowledge Exchange Strategy.
Cassie Terry said: "For our research project to be successful, collaborative and inclusive initiatives such as this, where we work closely with the Parkinson's community (and other stakeholders) has really helped us to design a device that will have real-life impact."
From left to right: Dr Fiona French, Dr Cassandra Terry, Rhys Ratcliffe.