University Boccia Project Underway

A study based on the effect of the Paralympic Sport of Boccia on people with Dementia had begun at Newark Indoor Bowls & Boccia Club.

Boccia at Newark has already played a major role in improving the lives of people with Dementia and the Newark Dementia Carers Group and the Newark Bowls & Boccia Club have worked together for twelve months.

The success attracted the attention of the Professor for Dementia Research at Nottingham University who commissioned a research project with the group. The title of the research is ‘Bowling for Dementia: A qualitative investigation of participating in a Boccia group’ and the study is being led by Professor Tom Dening, Professor of Dementia Research, and Dr Charlotte Beer, Assistant Professor, from the University’s Institute of Mental Health. Medical student Imogen Ovendon has already started the research as part of her Bachelor of Medical Sciences.

Imogen will be observing play, interviewing people with Dementia and their carers and spending time with the volunteer coaches who run the weekly Boccia sessions. She told us. ‘When I was first introduced to the group the thing which impressed most was the vibrancy and enthusiasm. Everyone is being really helpful, making the project a pleasure to work on.’

Dr Charlotte Beer also enthused. ‘Tom Dening told us about the group but we were surprised at the numbers and how keen they are on the game. We tried it ourselves and have to admit to being soundly beaten by the regulars. Boccia looks easy to play but we now appreciate how skillful some of the group have become.’

13th October 2015