Health · Fitness & Nutrition · 10 hrs ago
Table tennis offers physical and social benefits for people with Parkinson’s
About ten people with Parkinson’s meet to play table tennis each week in Kirchberg, in the Swiss canton of Bern.
Thomas Schlup, who was diagnosed 18 years ago, says regular play has helped him regain some mobility despite the disease’s effects on his movement.
Parkinson’s is incurable, but regular physiotherapy and exercise can help slow its progression.
Research suggests table tennis can improve coordination, balance and fine motor skills, as well as attention and other mental abilities.
The social side matters too, since people with Parkinson’s can experience depression and anxiety, and players say the group gives them variety and support.
The training is organised by Pingpong Parkinson Switzerland, whose coach builds movement and balance exercises into practice and takes steps to reduce fall risks; the group meets regularly, but no further plans are specified.
People with Parkinson’s meet regularly to play table tennis in Kirchberg, Switzerland.
Research suggests the sport may improve motor and psychological symptoms and may help slow the disease’s progression.
Table tennis can work on coordination, fine motor skills, balance and attention, while also giving participants a chance to socialise.
The Kirchberg sessions are organised by Pingpong Parkinson Schweiz, founded by Eugen Merz in 2024.
More than 15,000 people in Switzerland have Parkinson’s, and the number is expected to rise.
- Who
- People with Parkinson’s, including Thomas Schlup, take part in the sessions. Eugen Merz leads the training.
- What
- They play table tennis, which can support physical and mental abilities and provide social contact.
- When
- The group meets regularly, and the sessions are described as weekly.
- Where
- Kirchberg, in the canton of Bern, Switzerland.
- Why
- The sport offers movement and social contact; research indicates it can improve some symptoms of Parkinson’s.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Thomas Schlup was diagnosed with Parkinson’s.
Eugen Merz founded Pingpong Parkinson Schweiz.
SRF’s Schweiz Aktuell programme covered the table tennis sessions.
- Location
- Kirchberg, canton of Bern, Switzerland
- Participants
- About 10 people with Parkinson’s meet regularly to play
- Organisation
- Pingpong Parkinson Schweiz
- Founded
- 2024
- People affected in Switzerland
- More than 15,000
What people are saying
Actually, I should almost be in a wheelchair, but playing table tennis brings back a certain degree of mobility.
There is no such thing as Parkinson’s disease, only my Parkinson’s disease.
People should not notice that I incorporate physiotherapy elements — they should play table tennis.
Table tennis promotes coordination, fine motor skills, balance and also cognitive abilities such as attention and cognition.