Can you play sport with Parkinson's? A UK answer

By Daryn Potgieter, a cricketer living with Parkinson's. Last checked 6 October 2026.

Short answer: yes. Parkinson's UK says being active for 2.5 hours a week can help manage Parkinson's symptoms, and that it can be as important as getting the right dose of medication. People with Parkinson's play cricket, football, table tennis and more.

How much activity?

Parkinson's UK: 2.5 hours a week can help manage symptoms. Parkinson's UK: Exercise
The Parkinson's Foundation and the American College of Sports Medicine recommend 150 minutes a week of moderate to vigorous exercise, with aerobic exercise on 3 days, strength on 2 to 3 days, balance and agility on 2 to 3 days, and stretching. Parkinson's Foundation
The Michael J. Fox Foundation says the best exercise is the one your care team approves and that appeals to you. MJFF

Sports people with Parkinson's are playing

Cricket. From walking cricket to county disability cricket. Our cricket guide.
Walking football. Professor Nick Taylor of the University of Leeds, who has Parkinson's, has played walking football for England. University of Leeds
Table tennis. In July 2026 Parkinson's UK announced a partnership with Table Tennis England and Parkinson's England Table Tennis. Parkinson's UK A small pilot in Japan (12 people) reported encouraging results, though the researchers said the study was small. AJMC
Boxing. A 2025 review found boxing exercise can improve motor and non-motor symptoms, and called for more randomised trials. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience

If a full sport feels too much

In June 2026 Parkinson's UK launched Movement Your Way, an exercise snacking programme of short sessions. Parkinson's UK

My experience

I get in the nets about once a week for an hour, sometimes an hour and a half. Some days I walk out buzzing. Some days I can barely grip the bat. Either way, I turn up. I'm not saying cricket fixes Parkinson's. It doesn't. But moving keeps me in the fight.

Questions

Can you play sport with Parkinson's?

Yes. Many people with Parkinson's play sport. Parkinson's UK says being active for 2.5 hours a week can help manage symptoms. Talk to your care team before starting something new.

What is the best sport for Parkinson's?

There is no single best one. The Michael J. Fox Foundation says the best exercise is the one your care team approves and that appeals to you.

How much exercise should people with Parkinson's do?

Parkinson's UK says 2.5 hours a week can help manage symptoms. The Parkinson's Foundation and ACSM recommend 150 minutes a week of moderate to vigorous exercise.

Join the movement

Batting Against Parkinson's: twelve hours in the nets, Saturday 20 February 2027, PowerPlay RH1, Redhill. All ages and abilities welcome.

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Sources

This page shares lived experience and published information. It is not medical advice. Talk to your GP, consultant or Parkinson's nurse about your own care.