Pickleball Therapy for Parkinson’s: A new study has shown that pickleball can significantly help patients with Parkinson’s disease improve their physical abilities. After six weeks of pickleball therapy, participants showed improvements in grip strength, dexterity, and motor skills, offering hope for those with the condition.
Pickleball and Physical Therapy Combine for Success
Jamie Nesbit, a physical therapist, introduced pickleball as a wellness tool for her Parkinson’s patients. One patient, a former physical education teacher, had struggled with Parkinson’s symptoms for years, including slow movements and poor balance. Through therapy and physical exercises, Nesbit helped her regain some mobility, but it was pickleball that truly made a difference.
“One thing that we’ve tried to do is instill some sort of wellness plan when (our patient) is not in physical therapy and she found pickleball. She had found benefits in it and we were inspired by her testimony to it.” – (Nesbit)
Collaboration and Study on Pickleball’s Effects
Nesbit, along with Dr. Tara McIsaac from Creighton University and doctors Suzanne O’Neal and Patrice Ayala from Midwestern University, conducted a study to track how pickleball affects Parkinson’s patients. They partnered with students from both schools to analyze the benefits of the sport for those with Parkinson’s.
Parkinson’s disease affects motor and non-motor skills, including tremors, muscle rigidity, poor posture, and balance issues. While there is no cure, physical therapy and exercise are key to managing symptoms. The movements involved in pickleball—fast, amplified, and coordinated—align closely with the exercises recommended for Parkinson’s patients.
“If you think about everything that we want (the participants) to do, pickleball fits so well. It seemed like an appropriate time to do this study.” – (O’Neal)
Study Results: Significant Improvements in Participants
The six-week study involved 15 participants in early stages of Parkinson’s. They attended two one-hour pickleball sessions per week. Tests conducted before, after, and one month following the program showed improvement in grip strength, gait speed, and balance.
The study’s results were particularly notable in the shirt buttoning test, where participants became 20% faster on average, with some improving by over 35% one month later. These improvements demonstrate the potential of pickleball as a form of therapy.
Impact on Parkinson’s Treatment and Future Outlook
The success of the study indicates that pickleball could become an effective tool in Parkinson’s disease rehabilitation. The sport’s fast-paced, engaging movements provide therapeutic benefits that help patients manage motor symptoms.
As the research progresses, it could pave the way for more widespread use of pickleball as a treatment option. This could bring relief and better quality of life to many living with Parkinson’s disease.
News in Brief: Pickleball Therapy for Parkinson’s
A new study suggests pickleball can help improve physical abilities in Parkinson’s patients. Participants in the study showed significant improvements in motor skills, grip strength, and dexterity after six weeks of pickleball therapy. The findings offer hope for Parkinson’s treatment and future rehabilitation programs.
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