The Positive Impact of Pickleball on Parkinson’s Disease Patients

Pickleball is emerging as a beneficial sport for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease, helping to enhance mobility and slow symptom progression. Patients like Bob Helder have experienced significant improvements in their condition through regular play. Experts highlight the sport's alignment with physical therapy exercises, showcasing its potential to improve quality of life. Discover how this engaging activity is transforming lives and providing hope for those living with Parkinson’s.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 23, 2026, 13:55 IST

Pickleball: A Game-Changer for Parkinson’s Patients

Pickleball is gaining recognition as a beneficial activity for individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, with both patients and healthcare professionals noting its effectiveness in enhancing mobility and potentially slowing the progression of symptoms. At East Naples Community Park, Bob Helder frequently participates in games, often without others realizing he has Parkinson’s. “Some days, I don’t experience any tremors,” Bob shared.

Having received his diagnosis in 2008, Bob never anticipated reaching this point in his journey. “You must come to terms with your reality,” he remarked. His life took a turn in 2010 when he began playing pickleball regularly, which has helped maintain his condition. “I observed improvements in him, which seems surprising given the nature of Parkinson’s,” noted his friend Jim Obremski. Although doctors have not fully understood his case after 16 years, they attribute his stability to the consistent movement involved in pickleball. Bob now dedicates three to four hours daily to the sport. “Everything is going well,” he stated. “I genuinely feel like I’ve made progress.”

Similar findings have emerged in other locations. A study in Phoenix presented at a physical therapy conference emphasized how the movements in pickleball closely resemble those used in physical therapy. Research conducted with students from Creighton University examined both the physical and social advantages of the game. “We aimed to create a wellness plan for our patient outside of physical therapy, and she discovered pickleball,” said Nesbit. “Her positive experiences motivated us to explore its benefits further.”

In Australia, Ms. Haralambous, now a board member of the Pickleball Association of NSW, shared her transformative journey with the sport. “I was reliant on a walking stick and struggled to walk due to severe foot pain caused by Parkinson’s,” she explained. She attributes her enhanced mobility to pickleball. “Initially, I could barely move on the court, but over time, I began to move freely and even run,” she recounted. “I’ve transformed completely; I no longer need a walking stick, and people often remark that they can’t tell I have Parkinson’s. It has truly changed my life.”

Experts support these claims as well. Alyson Blanks, an exercise psychologist from Parkinson’s NSW, described pickleball as a highly effective activity. “It incorporates all the recommended exercise types while keeping it enjoyable,” she noted. “Engaging in pickleball promotes mobility, enhances hand-eye coordination, reduces the need for medication, and slows the progression of Parkinson’s symptoms. All these advantages contribute to a better quality of life.”