Fun, engaging
Commenting on the findings, Cynthia Comella, MD, professor emeritus, Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, New Philadelphia, Ohio, said ping-pong is a “fun and engaging” exercise for patients with Parkinson’s disease. Dr. Comella noted prior studies have shown many types of exercise are beneficial for patients with Parkinson’s disease “provided that they continue” with it.
In that regard, these new results are “promising,” she said. “It may be that this type of community generating, fun exercise would lead to a continuation of the exercise after a study is completed.”
A controlled trial that includes a post-study follow-up to evaluate compliance and continued benefit is needed, she said.
Purchase of equipment, including tables, rackets, and balls, was possible through funds donated by Hisako Kobayashi-Levin, which provides Murakami Karindoh Hospital with an annual fund to improve the quality of their rehabilitation program. The authors reported no relevant financial relationships.
This article first appeared on Medscape.com.