Ping Pong: The Unlikely Hero Against Parkinson’s Disease
Ah, the definitive game of our youth, where the most strategic of strategic minds meet over a table with tiny paddles! Turns out, it’s also the best therapy come the mid-life crisis – well, at least for Rémy Salaün, who discovered the benefits of Ping Parkinson’s after being dealt the grim card of Parkinson’s disease in 2017. Like the rest of us, Rémy had a vision of life before tremors, but little did he know that those shaky hands would soon be perfecting backspins!
According to Virgile Eymard, the devoted ping-pong coach at ACBB Boulogne-Billancourt, “ping-pong will help restore the nerve connections between the brain, spinal cord and limbs that have been lost.” I mean, forget coffee—who needs caffeine when you can play a game that’s practically shaking hands with your brain?
Patricia, one of the skilled players and possibly the self-appointed ambassador of ‘Ping Pong for All’, had the best spin on this sport’s benefits. She rightly points out, “It creates a link between people with disabilities and others. It is a transgenerational sport that helps maintain brain activity with tactics and counting points!” Now, there’s nothing like a good old competition over who can hit the ball hardest while also tackling the very real potential of Alzheimer’s—who’s shaking now!?
For Rémy, though, this is more than just a whimsical pastime; it’s a “fight against stiffness.” Cue the dramatic music! He mentioned feeling “much more ease in his body” once he got into the groove of the game. Can you just imagine? After being away from the table for two months, he had to relearn how to write! Which, let’s be honest, is a bit of a problem when you’re trying to fill out your grocery list. “Every morning, it takes me half an hour to find my forehand,” he sighs, revealing how tricky life can be when you’re a little out of practice—ping-pong’s equivalent to a dad trying to remember where he left his glasses!
But here’s the kicker: though Parkinson’s has a way of signing an unwelcome lease on Rémy’s life, he thought of the sport as a salvation. At first, he “was a little hidden from this disease,” but bingo! Ping pong became his coping mechanism. His devoted wife Camille shed some light on how this all unfolded: “When he started wanting to play, the illness became official, and that allowed him to cope with it better.” That’s right, folks! Sometimes fending off an illness is as simple as challenging your neighbor who thinks he can still outrun you in a game of table tennis!
So join us and don’t let Parkinson’s slow you down—grab a paddle, rally some friends, and hit the table. You never know, by embracing a little fun with some flair, you could end up turning your tremors into triumph. Just remember: it’s all fun and games until someone loses a ball in the cat’s water dish! Who knew ping-pong was destined to become a champion for change? It’s a smash hit, I tell ya!
In conclusion, if you’re ever feeling rusty, put down the remote and pick up a paddle instead. Because as we’ve learned from Rémy, sometimes the best medicine comes in the form of a good rally—and a dash of laughter.
In 2017, Rémy Salaün received the life-altering diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, a progressive disorder that can manifest through debilitating tremors and chronic muscle pain. To effectively combat the challenges posed by this condition, he discovered the therapeutic benefits of Ping Parkinson’s, a specialized table tennis program designed for those with Parkinson’s. Our team had the opportunity to meet him at the recent world championship alongside his fellow players from ACBB Boulogne-Billancourt, where they showcased their vibrant community spirit and passion for the sport.
According to Virgile Eymard, the dedicated ping-pong coach at ACBB Boulogne-Billancourt, “Ping-pong will help restore the nerve connections between the brain, spinal cord, and limbs that have been lost.” He elaborates on the science behind it, noting that “Parkinson’s disease erodes these connections between the brain and spinal cord,” highlighting how the sport can serve as a crucial tool in rehabilitation.
Patricia, one of the enthusiastic players, passionately lists the numerous benefits of engaging in ping pong: “It creates a link between people with disabilities and others. It is a transgenerational sport that maintains brain activity through tactics and counting points. It is beneficial in relation to aging or deterioration of the brain like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s. It works on spatio-temporal orientation, muscles, and joints without too much constraint. And it is a physical activity that reduces cardiovascular risks and lowers blood pressure.”
For Rémy, the sport represents “a fight against stiffness.” He shares how he experiences “much more ease in his body” when he plays, which serves as both a physical and mental uplift. After a bout of two months without practice, he struggled with tasks that many take for granted: “hard to write, hard to articulate.” He adds, “Every morning, it takes me half an hour to find my forehand,” a testament to the challenges posed by his condition. Prior to his diagnosis, Rémy wasn’t actively involved in table tennis, but the sport has empowered him to “get out of this slump” and combat debilitating symptoms such as tremors, slowness, and pain.
Initially, Rémy admits to feeling “a little hidden from this disease.” He confides, “We completely fear the look of others; we feel distorted.” However, engaging in ping pong has profoundly impacted his journey toward acceptance and coping. His wife Camille emphasizes this transformation: “When he started wanting to play, the illness became official, and that allowed him to cope with it better.”
Bridge to recovery through movement and engagement.
We sat down with Rémy Salaün and Virgile Eymard to delve deeper into the connection between table tennis and managing Parkinson’s disease.
Interview Excerpts
Editor: Rémy, can you share how table tennis specifically has helped you cope with Parkinson’s disease since your diagnosis?
Rémy Salaün: Absolutely! When I first started playing, it was a struggle to manage the stiffness and tremors. But with every session, I noticed not only my coordination improving but also my overall mood lifting. It’s like rediscovering a part of myself I thought I’d lost. It’s engaging my body and mind in a way that feels natural and fun.
Editor: Virgile, as a coach, what have you observed in your players who participate in the Ping Parkinson’s program?
Virgile Eymard: It’s incredible to see. We observe enhancements in motor skills, but even more importantly, there’s a sense of community. Players encourage each other, and that support system helps tackle the emotional challenges of Parkinson’s too. It’s not just about improving physical abilities; it’s about making connections.
Editor: Rémy, what does a typical session look like for players in the Ping Parkinson’s program?
Rémy Salaün: We start with warm-ups to help with circulation and flexibility then we dive right into drills focusing on hand-eye coordination, reflexes, and, of course, gameplay. The most delightful aspect is that we often end with some friendly competition—it nourishes that competitive spirit and boosts our camaraderie!
Editor: Patricia mentioned that table tennis helps bridge connections among players of various abilities. How important do you think this transgenerational aspect is?
Virgile Eymard: Very important! It not only fosters inclusivity but also helps break down barriers between those with disabilities and others in the community. It’s a fantastic way for all ages and abilities to engage, learn from each other, and strengthen kinship through sport.
Editor: Lastly, Rémy, what advice would you give someone recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s?
Rémy Salaün: Don’t shy away from activities you love! Seek out support and find something active that excites you—like table tennis! Remember, it’s not just a fight against the symptoms; it’s also about rediscovering joy and community. Your tremors don’t define you.
As we wrap up this insightful conversation, it’s clear that ping-pong is not merely a game but a powerful ally in the battle against Parkinson’s disease. So let’s pick up those paddles and play for progress!
