Sports That May Help People with Parkinson’s Manage Their Symptoms
- Elder Love USA
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Living with Parkinson’s can make everyday movement more challenging, but certain activities have been shown to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Many people who participate in these activities report better balance, coordination, mood, and overall well-being.
Just as important, these activities often bring people together, creating a sense of community, connection, and support.
Beyond the physical benefits, there is also something deeper. Participating in these activities can restore a sense of purpose, confidence, and achievement.
Here are a few worth exploring:
1. Ping Pong
A nonprofit called Ping Pong Parkinson supports individuals through weekly ping pong sessions. With 300 chapters across 25 countries, players come together to enjoy the game while benefiting from its therapeutic effects.
Dr. Elana Clar, a neurologist at Hackensack University Medical Center, explains that ping pong improves balance, hand-eye coordination, and rhythm, making it a powerful combination of physical, cognitive, and social activity.
Many participants report improvements in mood, sleep, balance, decision-making, and movement. Some have even returned to activities they once loved, like playing the guitar.
2. Rock Climbing
Rock climbing may not be the first activity that comes to mind for someone with Parkinson’s, but some people with Parkinson’s are giving it a try.
60 Minutes, correspondent Lesley Stahl observed individuals climbing despite visible tremors and jerky movements.
Interestingly, others reported that their tremors seemed to stop during the climb.
Climbing in a group setting also creates opportunities for encouragement, support, and shared progress.
Those who participate often describe feeling more confident in their movements and proud of what their bodies can still accomplish.
3. Non-Contact Boxing
There are also people with Parkinson’s who are exploring boxing.
Rusty Cohen, who boxes at Rock Steady Boxing, shared that boxing helped improve his balance and gave him more confidence in everyday tasks.
"Things like tying his shoes, standing on one foot, and putting on a jacket became incrementally easier."
Boxing classes are often structured as high-intensity interval training, which helps participants reduce inflammation and spark neuroplasticity.
4. Walking Soccer
Former semipro soccer player, John Roche, co-founded a walking soccer program in Liverpool for people with Parkinson's disease.
The sport encourages stretching and moving around, and may help restore balance and coordination.
"“I get the ball in my possession, and my body changes,” he says. “You can see there's a moment where it relaxes.”"
A Reminder For Caregivers
Try different activities. Not every activity will be the right fit, and that is okay. What matters most is finding something the person enjoys and feels comfortable doing. Sometimes it takes trying a few options before something clicks.
Consult a healthcare provider. Before starting any new activity, you may speak with a healthcare provider. They can help identify any safety concerns and guide you toward options that are appropriate based on their current abilities and health conditions.
As the only nonprofit agency in California offering home care services, we are dedicated to providing compassionate affordable in-home care.
Our dedicated care professional can help you think through your options and explain what types of support may be appropriate based on your specific needs.
All caregivers undergo thorough background checks and training with certification.
Our rates are lower than other providers thanks to partnerships, donations, grants, and revenue from our cleaning program.
Our caregivers can assist with personal care, shopping, cooking, transportation, housekeeping, and case management.
We proudly serve Riverside County, CA, San Diego County, CA, San Bernardino County, CA, Orange County, CA, Imperial County, CA, and Phoenix, AZ. For more information, contact us at 888-336-8322 or send an email to info@elderloveusa.org
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