This week, IDF Europe (IDFE) joined fellow partners of the MOVEUP project in Bucharest, Romania for the second project meeting. In the MOVEUP project, IDFE alongside partners from sports organisations in Romania, Italy and Kosovo, aim to use adapted team sports to improve the well-being and physical condition of adults living with chronic health conditions, specifically type 2 diabetes (T2D) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). As a member of this consortium, IDF Europe identifies, and advocates for, the needs of those living with diabetes in relation to physical activity (PA) participation.
PA plays a critical role in the prevention and management of diabetes and related complications. Regular PA has been shown to decrease insulin resistance, improve glucose levels, help manage weight and enhance well-being among people living with diabetes (PwD). The prevention and management of CVD as a standalone and diabetes-related condition also stands to benefit from regular PA with an observed 20-30% reduction in adverse cardiovascular events, as well as reductions in hypertension and cholesterol [1].
Despite these benefits, rates of physical inactivity remain high in people living with diabetes and/or CVD. PwD experience common barriers to physical activity, similar to those experienced by the general population. However, there are additional diabetes-specific barriers which can further compound the challenges to become or remain physically active. These include, for example, managing fluctuating blood glucose levels, dealing with the effects and limitations from other related health conditions and feeling unsupported or judged.
Working to address some of these barriers, MOVEUP emphasises the importance of tailored, individualised sports programmes that promote inclusivity, accessibility and social connection. Adapted team sports such as walking football, walking basketball and catchball are used to promote PA in a fun, supportive and social environment. The project encourages and facilitates collaboration with relevant healthcare professionals to ensure appropriate support and guidance are provided to participants.
The meeting in Bucharest enabled project members from Asociatia Sportiva Corporate Games Romania, the Romanian Football Federation, Margherita Sport e Vita Italy, the Football Federation of Kosovo and IDFE to meet in-person to discuss project updates and upcoming project milestones. It marked the beginning of an important phase in the project where the first sports coaches from each sporting organisation were trained as ‘master trainers’ in the three adapted sports. All project members had the opportunity to learn and practice each sport in a fun and dynamic environment which provided important practical insights and a fuller appreciation of the sports. Master trainers are now ready and equipped to return to their local sports clubs to facilitate further train-the-trainer events before starting to recruit participants in their respective countries.
For more project updates and information, please visit the MOVEUP project website https://moveupproject.eu/
