Feasibility of parkrun prescriptions to support people living with cognitive impairment in their quality of life

People living with dementia and their care partners can experience significant barriers to engaging in positive community activities, leading to social isolation, physical inactivity, and other negative wellbeing impacts.

parkrun is a global movement offering free, safe, community-led 5km events each Saturday morning, where attendees can participate as volunteers, spectators, walkers, or runners. Since 2022, an initiative called parkrun practices has encouraged Australian GPs to prescribe parkrun to their patients.

However, little is known about the feasibility and uptake of social prescription of parkrun as a referral pathway for people living with dementia and its impact on their quality of life.

This pilot study will use participatory action approaches to assess the feasibility and uptake of parkrun prescriptions and their impact on quality of life for people living with cognitive impairment.

This research is supported by a Dementia Australia Research Foundation Project Grant.

For further information, reach out to Dr Georgina Chelberg.