Today, we honour the strength, spirit, and dedication of every player living with Parkinson’s who picks up a paddle and joins us at the table. 💪🏓
Your passion, perseverance, and positivity inspire us all — not just on World Parkinson’s Day, but every day.
Table tennis is more than just a game — research shows it can have real therapeutic value for those living with Parkinson’s disease:
1. Motor Symptom Improvement
Studies have found that regular table tennis training can improve balance, hand-eye coordination, posture, and fine motor skills, helping counteract the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s.
(Yoon et al., 2020, Frontiers in Neurology)
2. Cognitive Engagement
The fast-paced, decision-heavy nature of table tennis stimulates executive functioning, reaction time, and attention, which are often affected in Parkinson’s.
(Takimoto et al., 2018, Geriatrics & Gerontology International)
3. Neuroprotective Physical Activity
Table tennis is an aerobic and skill-based exercise, shown to release neurons in the brain crucial for maintaining brain health in Parkinson’s.
(Petzinger et al., 2013, Journal of Neurology & Physical Therapy)
4. Social & Emotional Benefits
Group play combats isolation, anxiety, and depression, promoting a sense of community, purpose, and joy.
(Parkinson’s Foundation, 2022)
5. Fun, Sustainable & Safe
It’s low-impact, accessible, and can be easily modified to fit a range of physical abilities, making it an ideal long-term activity.
A heartfelt thank you to every player with Parkinson’s who joins us at the table — you show us the true meaning of strength and joy in movement.
Thank you for being a vital part of our table tennis community. 💙
Together, we rally for awareness, inclusion, and the power of sport to uplift lives.