A pickleball program for people living with Parkinson disease: a feasibility and preliminary results study

The purpose was to assess the feasibility and qualitative data of a pickleball program for people living with Parkinson disease. Secondary aims were to assess the effects of pickleball on gait speed, balance, hand function, and quality of life.

This was a mixed-method, single-group, prospective intervention study. 16 participants with Parkinson disease were enrolled in a 6-week pickleball program, twice a week for 12 sessions. Pre-, post-, and one-month follow-up testing included the 9 Hole Peg Test, shirt buttoning task, grip strength, 10 m Walk Test, Mini-BESTest, Parkinson Disease Questionnaire-8, and Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Feasibility data included attendance and retention rates, adverse and safety events, and resources. Qualitative data were collected via focus groups.

The retention and attendance rates were high (100% and 83.3% respectively). There were significant improvements in the 9 Hole Peg Test for the left hand (F(2,26)=7.36, p=.003, η²_p=.36), the shirt buttoning task (χ²=10.0, p=.007), and grip strength of the right hand (F(2,26)=4.51, p=.021, η²_p=.26). Qualitative data revealed positive social-emotional connections, transcendence from Parkinson, the program was sustainable, and pickleball addresses motor and non-motor symptoms.

A pickleball program for people with Parkinson disease is feasible and may improve Parkinson-related symptoms.