The title of my PhD is ‘The effectiveness of home-based dual task exercise training on cognition and functional mobility to decrease fall risk in people with dementia’.
The overall aim of my research is to investigate the impact of a home-based dual-task exercise program on visual processing speed and functional mobility in individuals with dementia, who have a twofold increased risk of falls compared to cognitively intact elderly individuals.
The study focuses on integrating technology into the exercise program, analysing the effects of cognitive domains such as visual processing speed and visuospatial function on walking, balance, and ultimately, fall risk.
Additionally, the study aims to identify potential barriers to the use of rehabilitation technologies in this population, further expanding the utility of technology in dementia rehabilitation.
The Goal
The goal of my research is to make a positive impact on individuals with dementia by reducing their risk of falling through the implementation of a home-based dual-task exercise program that integrates technology.
By improving visual processing and functional mobility, I hope to contribute to the quality of life for individuals with dementia and provide a more effective and accessible rehabilitation program.
By doing so, this study can contribute to the development of new and improved rehabilitation technologies and programs that better meet the needs of individuals with dementia, improving their quality of life and reducing healthcare costs associated with falls and injuries.
A world-leading research environment
Access to expertise from the National Rehabilitation Centre benefit me by providing me with valuable insights and guidance from experts in the field of rehabilitation.
As my research focuses on the integration of technology into rehabilitation programs, the knowledge and expertise that the National Rehabilitation Centre can provide me with, allows me to gain a deeper understanding of the best practices and latest developments in the field.
By collaborating with experts in the field, I can gain access to new tools and technologies that may not be widely available and learn about potential barriers and challenges in implementing technology-based rehabilitation programs in a clinical setting.
This collaboration can help me to improve the design and effectiveness of my research and ultimately contribute to the development of more effective rehabilitation programs for individuals with dementia.
Why Loughborough?
I decided to come to Loughborough University because it is a large research university with an impressive range of academic and research facilities that provide excellent opportunities for conducting cutting-edge research.
The university's commitment to innovation, research excellence and high-quality teaching, along with its state-of-the-art facilities, made Loughborough an ideal choice for my research studies.
My plans for the future involve continuing in academia, doing postdoctoral research, and possibly staying in academia long-term to extend my research.
I am passionate about my field of study and am excited about the possibility of contributing to it through ongoing research and teaching. I believe that there is still much to be discovered and understood, and I want to be part of that process.
If someone is thinking of undertaking a PhD at Loughborough, my advice would be to take advantage of all the opportunities and resources that the university has to offer.
Doing a PhD at Loughborough can be a challenging but rewarding experience, and I would encourage anyone who is considering it to go for it.
