A digital exercise programme developed in Manchester has the potential to help tackle bladder control – according to international experts.
KOKU was developed in collaboration between Manchester social enterprise, Reason Digital and the University of Manchester.
It was intended to support older adults with strength and balance exercises ‘Keep On Keep Up’ (KOKU), but academics at The University of Catalonia and Lithuanian Sports University believe it also has benefits for supporting bladder health.
With bladder weakness affecting 1 in 3 women and 1 in 10 men globally, the digital solution conceived by Professor Emma Stanmore of The University of Manchester – designed to prevent accidents of a different nature – is being explored as a tool for managing urinary incontinence.
“What started out as a Manchester focused initiative has taken off in a global way and it’s great to see everything we’ve been doing in the field, here in the North West, not only spurring innovation in different geographical places but in related yet distinct healthy ageing disciplines – the bladder control work being a case-in-point,” said Prof. Stanmore, a leading professor in Gerontology and the Founder/Director of KOKU Health.
In parallel, Parkinson’s UK is funding a bespoke programme for the charity’s community in collaboration with Dr Gill Barry at The University of Northumbria.
READ MORE – Thriving AI healthtech targets growth with agency appointment
Reason Digital started working with KOKU Health in 2017. They took the research findings on falls prevention, gamification and behaviour change to bring KOKU to life.
It’s since been translated into seven languages and has gained over 5,000 subscribers.
“This has been a deeply meaningful project to undertake because of the impact we can see it is having on people’s lives,” added Lucy Bushby, Head of Strategy & Transformation at Reason Digital.
“KOKU continues to grow, as do the people using it. We’re looking forward to continuing our work with Emma and all those involved as the platform develops and evolves.”
KOKU for Parkinson’s (KOKU4PD) is anticipated to be patient-ready within the next 18 months and KOKU Bladder is due to be ready within the next 8 months.
