PING PONG THERAPY PING PONG THERAPY
Greater physical strength and mobility
Improved cognitive functions
Less tremor
Higher degree of independence
More joy and pleasure
Detailed description of exercises with photographs
and video recordings
The everyday life of a healthy person is taken for granted—we see it as normal and routine. But we must remember that this can change overnight. From one day to the next, everything can become different, turning our world upside down, affecting our life, plans, and hopes. We don’t know what today will bring, let alone tomorrow. A brief conversation with a doctor, delivering a diagnosis, could drastically change our lives. This is what happened to over 6.3 million people worldwide, 1.2 million Europeans, and 11,000 Slovenians diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Many others remain undiagnosed.
About five years ago, I met someone who had experienced this dramatic change. Vinko Kurent, with his personal experience of Parkinson’s disease, was active in the Trepetlika association for Parkinson’s patients. He suggested that I teach and train Parkinson’s patients in table tennis. He told me about numerous studies showing how playing table tennis can slow the progression of the disease and significantly improve quality of life. How could I refuse to help those who are suffering? I read up on the disease and the benefits of table tennis training, and we worked out a process aimed at bringing new joy to the lives of Parkinson’s patients.
The announcement about the establishment of the Ping Pong Parkinson section, which the Trepetlika association sent to members in the Štajerska and Prekmurje regions, quickly spread. The first eight members, who enthusiastically entered the hall, still hold a special place in my heart. More members attended each training, and today we are proud to say that, if all members were present, we would occupy 15 tables. More than 30 members attend, depending on how their bodies, mood, and will allow them. They all make an effort to leave the hall feeling better—not only because of table tennis but also due to the therapeutic exercises that are a mandatory part of the training, especially exercises for stability, strength, concentration, and safe falling. Most importantly, they leave happy and satisfied. A smile and a hug are the greatest rewards I could ask for.
After two years, the success and positive effects of the Štajerska-Prekmurje section led to the creation of new groups in Ljubljana and Kranj.
I am not only proud and honored to have been chosen as a coach; I feel immense gratitude for having discovered an entirely new world. A world of pain and serenity, sorrow and hope, suffering and joy. A world of willpower and courage. A world that enriches, reveals the meaning of life and the value of play. A world where we must be thankful for every day of life and every moment of health, filled with unpredictability and requiring great courage and optimism.
I began writing this book for one simple reason—to share the good news with as many people suffering from Parkinson’s and similar diseases as possible: there is help. I know a lot has already been written about Parkinson’s disease and how to live with it. Many exercises have been described, but over the years, I have realized that a different guide needs to be written—one that comprehensively presents exercises that have been proven to help overcome various challenges and enrich life.
They say nothing succeeds like success, and successes are proof that we are doing the right things in the right way. In addition to the daily small and big successes of each individual, I must also mention their competitive achievements. The growing number of participants in competitions, the increasing number of countries involved, and our gold, silver, and bronze medals at world championships are proof that table tennis has taken hold as an excellent supportive therapy and has become an integral part of life for Parkinson’s patients.
Thus, it was my duty to help those I cannot reach in person with this book. As far as I know, this is the first and only book of its kind with concrete exercises designed to contribute to a better life for people with Parkinson’s and similar diseases.
Would you like to learn more?
About the book
The book is designed as a guide with numerous exercises for various purposes, which we’ve tried to illustrate well with photographs. Next to each photo is a QR code that, when scanned with a smartphone or tablet, will direct you to a website where you can view a video demonstration of the exercise.
The guide is, of course, not only intended for people diagnosed with Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, or similar diseases, but can also be an excellent tool for older adults to help maintain good physical and mental health for as long as possible.
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