Therapeutic Table Tennis for individuals with NDDs
The Spin for Well-being: Active lifestyles through therapeutic table tennis for individuals with Neurodegenerative diseases (Acronym: SWAN) is a 26-month Erasmus+ Sport project focused on promoting healthy, active lifestyles for people with neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), mainly Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, through table tennis. The acronym SWAN serves as a metaphor for growth and renewal. Just as a swan molts its feathers and grows new ones, our goal is to help individuals with NDDs form new neural connections through physical activity. The ultimate aim is to build a network of stakeholders interested in the therapeutic aspects of table tennis for NDD care as well as facilitate the adoption and expansion of similar programs in various settings (e.g. care homes, sport organizations, local communities).
SWAN Project Objectives
1 – Build a collaborative transnational network
Establish a consortium of diverse organizations across seven EU countries to share knowledge and best practices in table tennis health programs for NDDs.
2 – Develop and Disseminate Educational Materials
Create and implement a training curriculum that equips stakeholders with both the theoretical and practical tools needed to implement effective table tennis interventions.
3 – Implement and Evaluate Specialized Interventions
Design and evaluate targeted table tennis curriculums for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s patients to improve their physical, cognitive, and social well-being.
4 – Raise Awareness and Make an Impact
Share our findings widely by participating in key events and creating informative materials that drive transformative change in the intersection of sports and NDD care.
Key Activities of the SWAN Project
We’ll conduct comprehensive research to gather insights and identify successful table tennis for health initiatives. By collecting evidence from literature and real-world best practices, our consortium lays the groundwork for innovative NDD care programs.
We'll develop a training curriculum that blends theoretical knowledge of NDDs with practical table tennis methodology. Through an online course, we’ll equip trainers/coaches with the skills to deliver effective table tennis for health programs.
Our project experts will design adapted table tennis curriculums tailored for individuals with NDDs. These curriculums, implemented in selected partners countries (Greece, Bulgaria, Spain), will be evaluated for their impact on physical, cognitive, and social well-being.
We’ll raise awareness about the benefits of table tennis in NDD care by participating in structured dissemination activities. Among those, we will create an informative guidebook and participate the World Table Tennis for Health Festivals in 2025 & 2026.
SWAN Target Groups
SWAN engages a diverse community of stakeholders by fostering collaboration, raising awareness, and empowering individuals and organizations to integrate table tennis into NDD care.
Individuals with NDDs
Particularly those with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, who will benefit directly from tailored table tennis interventions.
Care Provides & Institutions
Including nursing homes, health centers, and rehabilitation facilities that support people with NDDs.
Trainers & Support Staff
Coaches, instructors, and caregivers who will be equipped with theoretical and practical training to deliver the interventions.
Sports & Community Organizations
Such as sports clubs/federations that can integrate table tennis into health programs.
Families & Patient Associations
Stakeholders who play a key role in supporting and advocating for individuals with NDDs.
General Public
Engaging with the wider community will support and spread awareness about the benefits of table tennis in NDD care.