About SWAN

Spin for Well-being: Active lifestyles through therapeutic TT for individuals with Neurodegenerative diseases (SWAN) is a European Union funded 26-month Erasmus+ project aiming to enhance the health of people affected by neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, through table tennis.

The acronym SWAN symbolises growth and renewal. Just as a swan molts its feathers and grows new ones, this project seeks to help individuals with NDDs form new neural connections through physical activity. Beyond improving individual well-being, SWAN also aims to build a network of stakeholders interested in the therapeutic benefits of table tennis and promote the integration of such programmes in various settings—including care homes, sports organisations, and local communities.

Understanding the Context

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) affect approximately 1.5 million people across Europe, with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s being among the most common. Research shows that physical exercise, such as table tennis, not only helps reduce the risk of NDDs but can also slow their progression after diagnosis.

Recognising these benefits, the SWAN project aims to develop and evaluate a structured table tennis intervention for individuals with NDDs—promoting social inclusion, equal access to sports, and health-enhancing physical activity. The project also seeks to educate stakeholders and establish guidelines for integrating table tennis programmes into different care and community settings.