17/08/2022 Dr. D. Velička, the Head of LSMU Sports Centre, invited the representatives of Parkinson’s Disease Society (Kaunas county branch) to meet at the LSMU Sports Centre. They discussed the project “Upgrading the LSMU sports facilities (Žeimenos g. 106, Kaunas)” conducted by LSMU. The Head of the Sports Centre answered the questions of representatives of the Society about the progress of the ongoing project, showed them around the Sports Centre, and asked the representatives of the Society about the physical activity suitable for people with Parkinson’s disease.
Representatives of the Parkinson’s Disease Society (Kaunas county branch) shared their knowledge about therapies popular in other countries for people with Parkinson’s disease, shared the practice of, for example, boxing classes helping manage the balance disorders and prevent falls. The consequences of falls are particularly severe as bone fractures restrict the motor function even further, affect the patients’ quality of life and increase social isolation. According to experts, 37% of people with Parkinson’s disease experience falls within 5 years of the illness, and 70% of the patients experience falls at least once a year.
Representatives of Parkinson’s Disease Society (Kaunas county branch) enjoyed a warm welcome and especially the useful advice shared by Dr. Velička, the Head of the LSMU Sports Centre, on proper performance of exercises, movements, etc. “We expect the collaboration to develop into an even closer relationship between the patients and sports specialists”, – said Vaclovas Tunaitis, the Chairperson of Parkinson’s Disease Society (Kaunas county branch).
Parkinson’s Disease Society (Kaunas county branch) and Kaunas Region Sports Disabled integration and sports club “Santaka” are the partners of LSMU in the LSMU project “Upgrading the LSMU sports facilities (Žeimenos g. 106, Kaunas)”. The project is funded by the Sports Support Fund. Project implementation period: 05/08/2021 – 04/08/2023.