Advancing TT4Health: ITTF Foundation Joins Hands with Cure4Parkinson at Parkinson’s Table Tennis Training Camp in Denmark

From 28 June to 4 July, a group of table tennis enthusiasts gathered on the beautiful island of Bornholm, Denmark, for a Parkinson’s-focused training camp organised by Cure4Parkinson. Hosted by the organisation’s president, Elisabeth Ildal, the camp welcomed 12 participants—players with Parkinson’s and their friends—for a week of training, learning, and shared experiences.

The ITTF Foundation was proud to join this initiative as part of our ongoing commitment to TT4Health. Represented by our Health Impact Manager, Ramon Ortega Montes, and Health Impact Coordinator, Lea Hure, our team brought in technical expertise and experience in adapting table tennis training for people living with Parkinson’s disease.

A Collaboration to Strengthen Body and Mind

Invited by Elisabeth, President of Cure4Parkinson, board member of Parkinson’s Europe, and a long-time Parkinson’s table tennis advocate as well as frequent participant in international tournaments and congresses, including the World Table Tennis for Health Festival, our team led the training sessions throughout the camp. The goal of the camp was simple yet meaningful: to offer participants a focused, high-quality table tennis training experience that enhances neuro-health, physical coordination, social connection, and reduces their symptoms beyond what regular play can offer.

The daily programme ran from 10:00 to 15:00 and included a variety of exercises and activities:

  • 10:00–10:30 – Warm-up, stretching, and activation exercises
  • 10:30–12:00 – Table tennis session
  • 12:00–12:50 – Lunch and rest
  • 12:50–13:00 – Stretching and relaxation
  • 13:00–14:00 – Final table tennis exercises and matches
  • 14:00–15:00 – Optional extra session: targeted exercises or individual challenge matches

Each day, the training was designed around a specific theme, such as hand-eye coordination, balance, focus, and memory. Sessions featured cognitive drills, technique development, and multi-ball exercises to allow players to practice with rhythm and repetition, especially beneficial for improving both skill and motor function in people with Parkinson’s.

Each morning began with stretching and warm-up exercises, led by Isabel Senft-Daniel from PJ Parkinson’s Support. These sessions blended physical movement with cognitive stimulation, setting an uplifting tone for the day ahead.

Blending Sport and Science: A Step Forward in Parkinson’s Research

Thanks to the support from Sense4Care, the training camp also served as a research opportunity. Four participants voluntarily wore Stat-On Holter devices before and after the camp to measure changes in motor capacity. The devices, developed by Sense4Care, recorded data throughout the week, allowing our team to track the impact of table tennis training on Parkinson’s symptoms.

Preliminary findings are promising, and we eagerly await the full analysis by Dani Rodríguez and his team at Sense4Care, which will contribute to the evidence on the neurological benefits of regular table tennis practice.

Joy and Connection Beyond the Table

While the training sessions were central to the camp, what made the experience more unforgettable was the spirit of camaraderie and joy that permeated every moment. After training, we spent the afternoon and evening exploring the natural beauty of Bornholm, going to beaches, cycling, gardening, and relaxing over homemade meals and barbecues prepared by the players, coaches, and volunteers from the table tennis club, Poulsker Bordtennis.

From heartfelt conversations to spontaneous music, dancing, and laughter, each day ended in celebration of resilience, togetherness, and the power of table tennis to improve well-being.

A Grateful Heart and Renewed Purpose

We are deeply thankful to Cure4Parkinson for inviting us to be part of this extraordinary journey, and to each participant who brought energy, openness, and inspiration to the sessions. Your stories and determination reaffirm our belief in the transformative power of table tennis—not only as a sport, but as a tool to build healthier, more connected lives.

Together, we continue advancing the mission of TT4Health: making health a right that everyone deserves through the joy and accessibility of table tennis.

  • Participants of the camp:

Andy Butler (United Kingdom)

Birgitte Nohr Jorgensen (Denmark)

Damasio Caeiro (Portugal)

Elisabeth Ildal (Denmark)

Isabel Senft-Daniel (USA)

Johann Rafnsson (Iceland)

Karin Jurgensen (Denmark)

Michael Busch (Germany)

Michael Krog Sorensen (Denmark)

Stig Eriksen (Denmark)

Vilborg Jonsdottir (Iceland)

Wilhelm Berner-Nielsen (Denmark)

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