Why Ping Pong?
Discover how Ping Pong can benefit the health and well being of people with Parkinson
How can Ping Pong help people with Parkinson?
Research suggests that table tennis stimulates not only physical adaptation, by challenging cardiovascular fitness, coordination and balance, but also "whole-brain activity" by stimulating the visual system, timing, rhythm, memory, strategy and decision making. In fact, it has been compared to “running 100 metres whilst playing chess”!
At PingPongParkinson, we add more activities to promote neuroplasticity, skills, fun and connection - to our playing partners and the members of our PPP family. Exercise is essential for managing Parkinson but it can be boring and onerous. PingPongParkinson offers a sport that is fun and doesn’t require discipline, where players can also make friends around the world and participate in tournaments. Together, we are an inspiring community, helping each other live more joyful, hopeful and passionate lives with Parkinson.
“Ping-pong has been shown to have a beneficial impact on multiple aspects of motor functioning and cognition. It is a way to continue to engage in physical exercise and thinking skills on a more consistent basis. Moreover, individuals are socializing during the game, working on aspects of not just mobility but also speech, mood and acceptance in social circles.”
Dr. Elizabeth Kera, Neuropsychologist at Hackensack University Medical Center
Research That Supports Our Work
Table tennis for patients with Parkinson’s disease: A single-center, prospective pilot study
Highlights: This study reports the impact of table tennis exercises on Parkinson, suggesting that table tennis exercise may improve motor symptoms and ADL of patients with PD.
A Pilot Study of the Feasibility and Effects of Table Tennis Training in Parkinson Disease
Highlights: This study demonstrates that table tennis training is safe and feasible, and may have the potential to improve balance control, mental well-being, and self-reported physical activity level.
Quality of life in people with Parkinson’s disease: the relevance of social relationships and communication
Highlights: Maintaining high quality of life is crucial for the rehabilitation of patients with Parkinson’s disease.
We Build Neurons
Ping pong's combination of balance, coordination, cardiovascular fitness, concentration, rhythm, fun and friendship promotes brain health through multiple mechanisms, including the stimulation of neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to remodel itself in response to experiences. As a result, movement, mood, mental clarity and many other important aspects of life often improve through regular play.
PingPongParkinson is involved in a multi-centre, prospective study of the benefits of table tennis for Parkinson. Information about the study can be found here: https://www.brainspin.si
If you are interested in collaborating with us on research, please contact us at info@pingpongparkinson.org
The PingPongParkinson® Program
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Informed by Research
The PingPongParkinson® program is research-informed, designed with the involvement of table tennis professionals, physicians, neurologists, physical therapists, psychologists and psychiatrists.
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Our Impact
In the past few years the impact of our program has received widespread attention. Through our ping pong sessions, we’ve witnessed significant improvements in the quality of life for participants, including stabilization and reduction of Parkinson symptoms, as well as improved social and emotional confidence and skills.
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Our Goal
We hope to animate the scientific community to give our mission a closer look through extended research and clinical trials. We are committed to discovering a cure. #CUREBY2027