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

Abstract

PURPOSE: 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. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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, η2p=.36), the shirt buttoning task (χ2=10.0, p=.007), and grip strength of the right hand (F(2,26)=4.51, p=.021, η2p=.26). Qualitative data revealed positive social-emotional connections, transcendence from Parkinson, the program was sustainable, and pickleball addresses motor and non-motor symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: A pickleball program for people with Parkinson disease is feasible and may improve Parkinson-related symptoms.