Ping-Pong as an Approach to Improve Parkinson’s Symptoms
Parkinson’s disease is a long-term degenerative illness of the central nervous system, and those who have the disorder are all too aware of how difficult a Parkinson’s diagnosis can make a daily living. However, researchers in Japan have discovered table tennis as a novel approach to help Parkinson’s patients handle their symptoms. However, with the PISTA method, the idea may seem unusual because ping pong can be difficult for anyone, particularly those suffering from mobility conditions. Nevertheless, PISTA users who followed a six month ping-pong fitness course may experience improvement in their Parkinson’s symptoms.
According to the study, the table tennis course occurred once a week for six months, and 12 Parkinson’s patients participated in the trial. The participant’s average age was 73, and they all had mild to moderate Parkinson’s disease. The individuals had been diagnosed with the illness for an average of seven years before the study. According to Dr. Ken-Ichi Inoue (n.d., as cited in Anderer, 2022), the study author of the study from Fukuoka University, “Ping-pong, which is also called table tennis, is a form of aerobic exercise that has been shown in the general population to improve hand-eye coordination, sharpen reflexes, and stimulate the brain.” The researchers intended to explore if those with Parkinson’s disease might have similar improvements, which could alleviate some symptoms. However, before commencing the table tennis program, each patient had a battery of tests to determine the severity of their Parkinson’s symptoms. They next conducted a series of stretches before moving on to table tennis exercises given by an expert pingpong player during each weekly five-hour ping-pong training session. The University of Fukuoka created the entire program, particularly for this study.
After three and six months, each patient had made significant progress in their speaking and writing ability, getting out of bed, walking, and putting on clothes. For example, before playing ping-pong, the patient needs two attempts to get out of bed in the morning, but at the end of the study, they can get out of bed on the first try. Also, participants’ hand tremor symptoms, rigidity, slow movement, rigid facial expressions, and posture improved. For instance, the repetitive and rhythmic movements in ping pong helped to stabilize the hand movements, minimizing the severity and frequency of tremors by improving motor control and coordination. Further, the need to concentrate on accurately hitting the ball assisted patients in gaining greater control over their hand movements. As to rigidity symptoms, continuous muscle movement and stretching reduce muscle stiffness and develop flexibility because the game’s dynamic nature requires numerous muscle groups. Slow movement symptoms, on the other hand, improved because ping-pong requires quick reflexes and rapid movements. This consistent practice can improve the nervous system’s ability to initiate and maintain quicker movements. Also, ping-pong’s social and engaging aspect helped Parkinson’s patients influence their rigid facial expressions. Engagement with others and enjoyment of playing ping-pong can generate facial expressions, allowing for frequent activation of facial muscles while promoting relaxation and mobility. Finally, the participants’ posture improved since ping pong requires players to maintain an upright and balanced stance to perform efficiently. Thus, consistent practice strengthens the muscles, which is vital for healthy posture and overall body alignment.
However, it is indispensable to note that two patients encountered a few unfavorable side effects because of table tennis; one had back discomfort, and another fell on one occasion while playing, implying that other factors may affect the program’s efficacy. Although the study is small, the findings are intriguing since the research shows that ping pong, an inexpensive therapy, may help some Parkinson’s symptoms. Also, a much larger study is being considered to confirm these findings, according to Inoue. For comparison, the approaching trial will most likely include a control group of Parkinson’s patients who do not play ping-pong.