The Lien Foundation officially launched the Kickstart Exercise and Empower Parkinson’s (KEEP) program on August 17, 2026, to provide rehabilitation services for 2,000 people living with Parkinson’s disease in Singapore over five years [1, 2]. The S$4.48 million initiative partners with Parkinson Society Singapore (PSS), Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH), National Neuroscience Institute (NNI), and other SingHealth institutions [1, 2].
KEEP delivers structured group exercises, occupational therapy, and mental health support for patients in early to mid-stages of the disease. It currently operates at five day rehabilitation centres: three run by NTUC Health, one at St Luke’s Hospital, and one at PSS [1, 2]. Physiotherapy under KEEP focuses on training patients to take bigger steps to prevent falls and improve walking speed, Senior Principal Physiotherapist Dr Chloe Chung said [3].
Patients who have joined KEEP reported improvements. Lim Mui Huang, who began sessions in July, said, "I can’t imagine I have to relearn getting in and out of the car. KEEP brings back the confidence" [1]. Eric Chen added, "Certain daily activities which I used to have challenges with have gone away. It's a lot easier to move about and I'm more mobile" [3].
Parkinson’s disease affects more than 10,000 people in Singapore and is the country’s second-most common neurodegenerative disorder. It results from loss of dopamine-producing brain cells and causes tremors, stiffness, slowed movement, fatigue, and mood changes [1, 2, 3]. Lien Foundation CEO Lee Poh Wah said, "Imagine living in a body that gradually stops obeying us... Early and sustained rehab is the first line of defence but under recognised" [2].
KEEP includes regular assessments every six months for up to two years to adapt rehabilitation and mental health plans according to symptom progression [3]. In 2027, the program will expand to eight more day rehabilitation centres operated by six community care providers, including NTUC Health, AWWA, Care Corner, St Luke’s, and PSS [1, 2].
