For people living with Parkinson’s disease, staying active can be about much more than physical fitness. Movement, coordination, confidence and social connection can all play an important role in maintaining quality of life.

In East Sussex, an unusual sport is bringing all of these elements together: table tennis.

At Brighton Table Tennis Club, weekly sessions are designed for people living with Parkinson’s, dementia and other neurological conditions. Participants say the fast-paced nature of the game gives them a physical and mental challenge while also providing an opportunity to meet others.

A sport that demands quick reactions

Carol Gill, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s 11 years ago, has experience in competitive badminton. She says table tennis presents a different kind of challenge, particularly because players have to react quickly while simultaneously thinking about movement, scoring and tactics.

The combination of rapid reactions, balance and hand-eye coordination makes the sport particularly engaging.

For someone living with Parkinson’s, activities that encourage controlled movement and concentration can provide a welcome way of staying physically and mentally active.

Gill says the technical aspects of the game—including different types of spin—add another layer of challenge and keep players thinking throughout a match.

More than exercise

The benefits described by participants aren’t limited to what happens around the table.

Tracy Steele, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s five years ago, describes the sessions as both physically and socially rewarding. Playing provides an opportunity to work on coordination while spending time with a supportive group of people.

That social element can be just as important as the exercise itself.

Regular activities can provide structure, companionship and a sense of belonging. For people coping with a long-term neurological condition, having a place where they can participate in an activity alongside others who understand their experiences can make a meaningful difference to wellbeing.

Why might table tennis be useful?

Table tennis combines several skills that can be affected by neurological conditions. Players need to track a rapidly moving ball, coordinate their hands and eyes, maintain balance and respond to changing situations within seconds.

Every rally requires decisions: where will the ball go, how should the racket be positioned, and how quickly does the player need to move?

That combination of physical movement and mental concentration is one reason the sport has attracted attention from organisations supporting people with Parkinson’s.

Table Tennis England and Parkinson’s UK have previously partnered to create more opportunities for people with Parkinson’s to participate in the sport.

Importantly, table tennis should be viewed as an activity that can complement medical care and an individual’s wider exercise programme, rather than as a replacement for treatment.

Building confidence one rally at a time

Perhaps one of the most striking aspects of the sessions is the emphasis on participation rather than simply winning.

Players can challenge themselves at their own level, practise particular skills and gradually become more comfortable with movements that may initially feel difficult.

Brighton Table Tennis Club’s community outreach team has reported seeing people with significant neurological difficulties make progress while attending the sessions.

For participants, coming back each week appears to be part of the appeal. The combination of exercise, concentration and companionship creates an activity that people want to continue.

A reminder that exercise can be enjoyable

Living with Parkinson’s can involve adapting to changes in movement and physical ability. Exercise recommendations can sometimes sound like another item on a medical checklist.

Table tennis offers a different perspective: physical activity can also be fun, competitive and social.

A game doesn’t necessarily feel like exercise when players are concentrating on returning a difficult shot, trying a new technique or laughing with teammates.

And that may be one of the most valuable lessons from the Brighton sessions. Staying active doesn’t have to mean exercising alone or simply repeating a routine. Finding an activity that combines movement with enjoyment and social interaction may make it easier for people to remain engaged over time.

For people with Parkinson’s considering a new activity, the key is finding something appropriate to their individual abilities and discussing exercise plans with their healthcare professionals where necessary.

At Brighton Table Tennis Club, a simple game involving a small ball and a paddle is becoming an opportunity for people to move, think, compete and connect—all at the same time.