The sailing project ‘Anima libero’, an initiative dedicated to people with neuromuscular diseases, such as ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), Sma ( Spinal muscular atrophy) and muscular dystrophies, promoted by the Nemo Napoli Clinical Center, active since 2020 at the Monaldi hospital, in collaboration with the Nautical Sailing Club of the city and Nemo Lab Srl, with the patronage of the Rare Diseases Coordination Center of the region Campania, Aisla non-profit organization, Sma and Uildm families, the patient associations that have always been alongside the network of seven Nemo centers in Italy, as members. This is a pilot project – explains the Nemo Clinical Center in a note – designed to support the psychological and rehabilitative care of patients at the Nemo Center through a new experiential modality that has as its protagonist taking care of oneself, being carried away by waves and wind. There are four sailing boat trips planned, with a height of 14 meters and equipped for the transport of a group of 8 people with motor disabilities accompanied by instructors from the Italian Sailing Federation, who will guarantee safety, and a clinical team to monitor the protagonists from a psychological and functional point of view: these are the conditions that will give the opportunity to realize the experience, combined with the love for the sea and the desire to get involved, of those who join it. “The project wants to lay the foundations to think of new paths that aim to develop well-being for the person with neuromuscular disease, alongside the clinical and rehabilitation management in the ward – explains the scientific director of the Nemo Napoli Clinical Center, Giuseppe Limongelli – Starting from the desire to live the own project of life, the experience wants to become a first field research laboratory with the collaboration of the patients who participate in it will, through the enhancement of our territory “. The beneficiaries, identified according to clinical parameters that allow them to safely face the open sea, will be involved in sharing their experience, through psychological investigation tools that will evaluate the impact of the experience, administered before and after the route. In addition, the health of the participants will be monitored, with a particular focus on respiratory and cardiac function. “We know that sailing allows you to activate mechanisms that stimulate positivity, creativity, knowledge of oneself and one’s own possibilities and favor the tone of mood – explains Simona Tozza, head of the psychology service of the Nemo Naples Center – This is why the experiential path aims to create in the group of participants what are defined as “psychological anchors”, to contribute positively to improving the quality of personal and social life and to keep thinking about future prospects, despite the disease “. “Taking care of patients suffering from neuromuscular diseases cannot absolutely ignore the human aspect – declares Anna Iervolino, general manager of the Colli hospital – Treating the disease also means contributing to improving the quality of life and, thanks to teamwork of all the staff involved and the instructors of the Italian Sailing Federation, it was possible to give a unique experience to the patients. Since 2020, with a management experimentation, the Nemo clinical center is active at the Monaldi hospital in Naples, which makes the multidisciplinary approach its strong point. The pilot project of velotherapy, which is starting today, fully embraces the mission of the Center and that of the hospital ”. The sea – reads the note released by the Nemo Clinical Center – is once again the cradle and creator of the project’s objectives, together with the commitment and enthusiasm of those who immediately took up the challenge, such as the Nautical Sailing Club, in the heart of the Borgo dei Marinari at the foot of Forte Ovo which, in more than 100 years of activity, has led to the establishment of a unique fulcrum in the sailing field for competence and experience, with the aim of bringing young people and adults closer to the sea through educational, cultural and formative. The team has embraced the project because it embodies the spirit of those who live the sea, aware that when you are on a sailing boat you always have a small or big adventure. The expert sailor, in fact, knows that man can only adapt to the elements, because at sea it is not physical strength but intelligence and sailing represents the ability to know and enhance the forces of nature to reach the goal. In light of the scientific and social objectives, the pilot project also benefits from the unconditional contribution of Roche Italia, PtcC Therapeutics, Biogen, Vitalaire Italia and Ortopedia Ruggiero. The program includes 4 weekly appointments (from 2pm to 5pm). In addition to today’s first release, the calendar includes the dates of 15, 22 and 29 September, except for unsuitable weather forecasts. On those days, in the port area of the city, you will be able to see the ‘Anima Libera’ boat unfolding its sails, with its message of infinite possibilities, just as the sea is infinite. For information and details on the project [email protected].