MHSALUD Revista En Ciencias Del Movimiento Humano y Salud · Oct 13, 2026
Feasibility and Preliminary Effectsof an 8-Week Table Tennis Training Program on Parkinson’s Disease:A Pilot Study
By Picabea JM, Ascondo J, Marcos-Rivero B
Introduction: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder where physical exercise, such as table tennis, may offer benefits. Objective: This pilot study aimed to assess the feasibility of an 8-week table tennis training program and explore its effects on functional capacity in individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Methods: Eight participants (six men and two women) with PD underwent physical tests, before and after the intervention, to evaluate limb strength and gait functionality. Feasibility was assessed through recruitment, retention and adherence, and safety. Results: The program demonstrated excellent feasibility, with 100% recruitment, retention, and session adherence, and no adverse events. In addition, the exploratory analysis showed significant improvements in gait ability from 0 to 5 m and from 0 to 10 m, as well as in the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. However, no improvements were observed in gait ability from 5 to 10 m, nor in the counter-movement jump (CMJ) and handgrip strength (HANDG) tests. Conclusion: An 8-week table tennis program is a feasible and safe intervention for individuals with PD. These findings suggest its potential to improve gait and reduce fall risk; however, the results are exploratory and require confirmation in larger, controlled trials.