Discover the surprising way this sport is changing lives for Parkinson’s patients!
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In New York City, a unique approach is giving people with Parkinson’s a renewed sense of mobility, confidence, and community.
Instead of relying solely on medication or traditional therapies, many are turning to an unexpected remedy.
Here at GrayVine, we’re exploring how this sport is making a real difference for those living with Parkinson’s disease.
Like many others, she noticed the telltale tremors that come with the disease.
But after taking up pingpong, something incredible happened—her tremor disappeared.
Joan is part of a growing group at PingPongParkinson, a program where Parkinson’s patients meet weekly to play, connect, and regain control over their movements.
Also read: Physical therapist reveals the secret exercises to alleviate back pain instanly
After his Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2010, Bach struggled with tremors so severe he could no longer play guitar.
Then he discovered pingpong.
Within months of playing regularly, his symptoms improved, allowing him to return to music.
Inspired by his own progress, he launched PingPongParkinson to help others.
Today, the program has over 3,000 players worldwide, with 50 regulars at the Flatiron location, thanks to a partnership with SPIN, a trendy underground pingpong club.
Also read: Struggling to sleep? These 5 nutrients might be the missing piece
According to Dr. Elizabeth Kera, a neuropsychologist at Hackensack University Medical Center, pingpong engages the basal ganglia, the part of the brain responsible for movement.
By stimulating this area, the game may boost dopamine levels, improving motor function.
Pingpong also enhances:
Read more: A hidden risk in public restrooms—should you check the toilet paper first?
Instead of relying solely on medication or traditional therapies, many are turning to an unexpected remedy.
Here at GrayVine, we’re exploring how this sport is making a real difference for those living with Parkinson’s disease.
How Pingpong Became a Lifeline for Parkinson’s Patients
Joan Greenberg, a 77-year-old retired writer and mosaic artist, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2020.Like many others, she noticed the telltale tremors that come with the disease.
But after taking up pingpong, something incredible happened—her tremor disappeared.
Joan is part of a growing group at PingPongParkinson, a program where Parkinson’s patients meet weekly to play, connect, and regain control over their movements.
Also read: Physical therapist reveals the secret exercises to alleviate back pain instanly
From Music to Medicine: How One Man Sparked a Movement
PingPongParkinson was founded in 2017 by Nenad Bach, a Croatian-American musician who once performed with legends like Bono and Luciano Pavarotti.After his Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2010, Bach struggled with tremors so severe he could no longer play guitar.
Then he discovered pingpong.
Within months of playing regularly, his symptoms improved, allowing him to return to music.
Inspired by his own progress, he launched PingPongParkinson to help others.
Today, the program has over 3,000 players worldwide, with 50 regulars at the Flatiron location, thanks to a partnership with SPIN, a trendy underground pingpong club.
Also read: Struggling to sleep? These 5 nutrients might be the missing piece
Why Pingpong Works: The Science Behind the Sport
Parkinson’s disease is caused by the loss of dopamine-producing neurons, which affects movement, balance, and coordination.According to Dr. Elizabeth Kera, a neuropsychologist at Hackensack University Medical Center, pingpong engages the basal ganglia, the part of the brain responsible for movement.
By stimulating this area, the game may boost dopamine levels, improving motor function.
Pingpong also enhances:
- Hand-eye coordination
- Balance and reflexes
- Cognitive skills like concentration and decision-making
Read more: A hidden risk in public restrooms—should you check the toilet paper first?
