No, club practice is no longer just reserved for sports enthusiasts in search of performance. Many federations have set up “health” measures intended for people suffering from chronic pathologies, cancer or affected by aging. The programs are also aimed at people experiencing a sedentary lifestyle, a phenomenon that has been on the rise since the confinement. “Someone who does not do any physical activity develops certain pathologies, such as hypertension or diabetes,” warns Dr. Bernard Montalvan. The older people who are less sick are those who exercise regularly – about four or five hours a week. “
A few years ago, the doctor introduced “healthy tennis” within the French Tennis Federation, relying in particular on a study carried out by the “British Journal of Sports” which revealed that the practice of the stroke right and reverse leads to a 47% reduction in the risk of mortality (all causes) and a 56% reduction in the risk of cardiovascular mortality. “We worked with experts who confirmed to us that physical activity, especially tennis, is a real therapeutic tool and protects”, continues Bernard Montalvan.
Classes can be reimbursed by Health Insurance
The system is open to everyone, “but adapted to everyone, in order to make physical activity possible whatever their pathology”, specifies the doctor. We can thus reduce the size of the field, lower the height of the net, offer lighter rackets and slower balls … 400 teachers have received specific training and 124 clubs are currently labeled throughout the country. (www.fft.fr/la-federation/nos-engagements/sport-sante/tennis-sante). People wishing to benefit from the system can go to their doctor who will refer them to one of the sports-health centers or directly join a labeled club. Courses for long-term patients can be reimbursed by the Health Insurance.
Other Federations have easily taken the step of healthy sport, such as fencing. ” The program health fencing aims to develop the practice for health and well-being, especially for seniors or sedentary people, we explain to the Federation. It offers tools to people with chronic pathologies, far from voluntary sports practices. “
As in tennis, the teachers have been specifically trained and you can practice on medical prescription (in this case the cost of the lessons is covered). Increase in cardio-respiratory endurance, maintain or improve muscle mass, strength, flexibility, improve self-image and body perception, maintain or improve balance, autonomy, memory, prevention of overweight… There is no lack of good reasons to turn to “health fencing”.
The end of taboos
A device specially designed for women with breast cancer (whether or not being treated) has also been deployed throughout France by the Solution Riposte association. The sessions are individual or collective and allow, through adapted exercises and subject to medical advice (and regular monitoring), to complete physiotherapy rehabilitation. Several hundred women have already benefited from this program which accompanies them in the disease and also makes it possible to fight against the withdrawal into oneself.
Finally, the Volleyball Federation has also set up a “health volleyball” system, through three programs. “Soft volley”, played with a larger ball and specific rules, reserved in particular for seniors. The “fit volley”, for those who want to exercise. The “adapted volleyball”, which is aimed at people suffering from chronic pathologies, mental or motor impairments, as well as the elderly. Here again, the exercises are adapted to specific needs and especially to pathologies. Playing sports when you are obese, elderly or in remission from cancer is no longer taboo.
Article original de: www.leparisien.fr
