Combat sport may not be the first thing that comes to mind in thinking about Parkinson’s Disease, but at Komrit Muay Thai and Boxing at West Gosford, it’s having a remarkable impact on the lives and wellbeing of people living with the disease.
KOPD (Knock Out Parkinsons Disease) is a training program developed specifically for people with Parkinson’s Disease.
Marrying the physicality of sport with the learnings of exercise physiology, it focuses on aspects such as strength, coordination and balance.
On Wednesday, April 10, Home Instead Central Coast and Newcastle team members and clients participated in KOPD demonstrations for a special event, Punchin’ for Parkos.
Held on the eve of World Parkinson’s Day (August 11), the event was designed to highlight awareness of the positive role combat sport can play for people with Parkinson’s Disease.
Komrit owner Tanya Freisler, a Master Trainer in Functional Fitness, said KOPD is not a cure for Parkinson’s but can help people “fight back”, slowing the disease’s progression and building strength and confidence while supporting participants as part of a positive extended community.
She has a very personal connection to the program.
“My coach, Maurice Cooper, who previously owned the gym (then known as CKO), developed Parkinson’s Disease,” she said.
“As the disease progressed he was unable to teach Muay Thai as he wanted to.
“In order for him to continue contributing to the extended community, we did the KOPD course so he could coach people with Parkinson’s in boxing and Muay Thai, encouraging them to stay active and be part of an extended community.”
It’s a focus that enjoys the support of in-home care provider Home Instead, which empowers a positive approach to ageing, allowing people to navigate this stage of life in tune with their needs, wants and personality.