“Towards strengthening rehabilitation for persons with Parkinson’s disease: A multiphase mixed method study in the southern sector of Ghana”
Country of Study
South Africa
Institution
Stellenbosch University
Expected Year of Completion
2026
Thematic
Life and Health Sciences
Education
Mary is pursuing a PhD in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at Stellenbosch University in South Africa and is an Assistant Lecturer at the University of Health and Allied Sciences. She has an MSc in Neurorehabilitation from Brunel University London and is set to complete her studies in 2026.
Research Summary
Mary’s research seeks to expose challenges associated with the underutilization of rehabilitation services among people with Parkinson’s Disease with a view to initiating a conversation that would lead to the improvement of accessibility and utilisation. Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a progressive neurological condition associated with numerous symptoms which renders the person affected with the disease disabled. Disability in PD usually reflects in the person’s inability to perform basic activities of daily living (ADLs) such as dressing and bathing or instrumental ADLs including shopping and preparing food. Despite the availability of effective medical and neurosurgical treatment, many people with PD (PwPD) suffer from activity limitations and restrictions in societal participation, which often decrease quality of life. To address these functional limitations and disabilities among PwPD, and to contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3 (to provide support for good health and wellbeing), rehabilitation is key for the PD population. However, most PwPD are referred for rehabilitation services in a reactive approach to address rehabilitation related problems. Generally, there is a scarcity of literature on the diagnosis and management of PD including availability and utilisation of rehabilitation services in Sub Saharan Africa. Additionally, rehabilitation professionals’ expertise and the utilisation of rehabilitation services are yet to be fully investigated in Ghana in particular and SSA in general.
Publications:
1. Feasibility and reliability of measuring muscle stiffness in Parkinson’s Disease using MyotonPRO device in a clinical setting in Ghana
2. A report on the development of COVID-19 guidelines for rehabilitation professionals in African settings
