Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a complex neurodegenerative and neuropsychological disorder characterized by motor and non-motor symptoms that are often inadequately managed by pharmacological treatments alone. To address these challenges, complementary therapies—such as physical exercise, artistic practices, and psychological support—are core elements of the “Parkinson No Limits” methodology. This approach is applied both during therapeutic holidays and in daily rehabilitation. Since 2019, the association has implemented outdoor rehabilitation programs for people with Parkinson’s and their families, both in the Canary Islands and abroad.
The Professionals Behind the Approach
The method was developed collaboratively by professionals, patients, and families, integrating clinical, therapeutic, and social dimensions. The team of experts documenting this work and its results includes:
- F. De Bartolomeis: Psychomotrician, coordinator, and head of the professional team at the FuerteVida Parkinson No Limits Association in Fuerteventura (Canary Islands), Spain.
- S. Della Morte: Psychotherapist for the FuerteVida Parkinson No Limits and ParkinZone A.p.s. associations in Rome, Italy.
- E. Berti: Clinical Psychologist and PhD Candidate in Neuroscience at the Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Italy.
- N. Modugno: Department of Neurology, IRCCS INM Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy.
An Integrated Holistic Transdisciplinary Method: Nature, Sport, and Art
All program activities are conducted outdoors (outdoor), allowing participants to benefit from the mild climate and pristine natural environment of Fuerteventura, recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The proposed disciplines span a wide range of physical and creative fields:
Sport and Movement
Participants can engage in surfing, kitesurfing, snorkeling, sailing, non-contact boxing, Nordic Walking, cycling, Pilates, archery, and trekking.
Art and Creativity
Activities include painting, underwater painting, cooking, theatre, dance, singing, and music.
Complementary and Classical Holistic Rehabilitative Therapies
The program includes psychomotricity, physiotherapy, osteopathy, Shiatsu, art therapy, Qi Gong, craniosacral therapy, acupuncture, speech therapy, hydrotherapy, music therapy, Mindfulness, and holistic nutrition.
Additionally, psychoeducation and neuroeducation pathways are provided to promote self-awareness, understanding of psychophysical needs, and constructive communication with both healthcare professionals and caregivers.
Benefits, Network, and Local Collaborations
This holistic, transdisciplinary, integrated, and person-centered approach focuses primarily on individual resources and health potential. It has led to a significant improvement in the quality of life for patients, earning prestigious national and international recognition. Results are constantly monitored through standardized tests, clinical evaluations, self-assessments, and ongoing research, some of which is presented at the WPC2026 congress.
FuerteVida Parkinson No Limits is a non-profit organization supported by the Canary Government and local institutions. The association offers residents 5 weekly therapeutic activities (totaling 245 free sessions per year per person) and organizes accessible therapeutic holidays for non-residents. Furthermore, it actively collaborates with local and international organizations dedicated to Parkinson’s, educational institutions for training, and the media for public awareness campaigns.
Conclusions and Future Developments
The Parkinson No Limits method has proven to be an effective, innovative, and constantly evolving tool. Its programs in the Canary Islands and personalized therapeutic holidays are now internationally recognized as true models of excellence in the field. The commitment continues: the growing training program for volunteers and students recently led to the creation of the Association’s own internal training school.
Poster n. P45.24 presented at the World Parkinson Congress in Phoenix (WPC2026)
