Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder that can impact a person’s ability to perform daily movements, like walking or buttoning a coat.

It may seem counterintuitive, but one of the best ways to manage these symptoms is to keep moving!

Keeping up with games and activities that promote dexterity, cognitive function, flexibility, and balance is critical to reducing symptoms and maintaining a better quality of life.

Let’s explore the different games and activities that can help improve motor skills for people with Parkinson’s! But first — a brief overview of how PD impacts fine and gross motor skills.

How PD Impacts Motor Skills

Parkinson’s is characterized by the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain, leading to a number of motor symptoms. These may include tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), and postural instability.

Motor skills, which involve the coordinated efforts of muscles, nerves, and the brain, are divided into two categories: fine motor skills and gross motor skills. Both are affected by Parkinson’s disease in different ways.

Fine Motor Skills vs. Gross Motor Skills

Fine motor skills involve small, precise movements, such as writing or buttoning a shirt, while gross motor skills involve larger movements, like walking or lifting objects.

Understanding how PD impacts these skills is crucial for developing targeted interventions to help maintain as much independence as possible.

Fine Motor Skills

These are the small, detailed movements requiring precision and coordination. They include tasks such as picking up small objects, typing, and tying shoelaces.

Fine motor skills are often the first to be affected by Parkinson’s disease. People may notice decreased dexterity, making it difficult to perform tasks that were once effortless. Handwriting may become small and cramped (a condition known as micrographia), and activities like using utensils or managing buttons can become frustratingly slow and difficult.

Gross Motor Skills

Gross motor skills involve the use of larger muscle groups to perform tasks such as walking, balancing, or standing up from a chair.

As Parkinson’s disease progresses, individuals often experience difficulties with these larger movements. This can lead to a shuffling gait, difficulty maintaining balance, and an increased risk of falls. The rigidity and bradykinesia associated with PD further complicate gross motor function, making movement stiff and slow.

Activities for Fine Motor Skill Development

Engaging in specific games and activities can help maintain and improve fine motor skills for people with Parkinson’s disease.

Here are some effective options.

Jigsaw Puzzles

Games that require manipulating small pieces, like puzzles or board games, can help improve fine motor skills.

Assembling jigsaw puzzles encourages the use of fine motor movements, contributing to improved dexterity while providing cognitive stimulation and boosting memory function.

Coloring and Painting

Both coloring and painting offer an outlet for creative expression while helping to hone fine motor skills and boost cognition. Gripping pencils, pens, and brushes can improve dexterity and decrease tremors while inducing a calming effect.

Learn more about the positive impacts of art therapy here!

Chess

Similar to puzzles, playing chess is an effective way to improve the small and precise movements associated with handling small objects.

The problem-solving and strategic elements associated with chess also have many neurological benefits, requiring memory to recall the rules and determine optimal moves.

Beading or Knitting

Activities such as beading, knitting, or crocheting require a high degree of precision and control.

These hobbies can be adapted to a person’s level of ability, with larger beads or needles used to make the task more manageable. Knitting stimulates the cerebellum, allowing people with PD to practice control over movement, timing, and precision.

In addition to the physical benefits, crafting activities such as these offer a sense of accomplishment and relaxation.

Activities for Gross Motor Skill Development

Photo credit: Travis Robinson, 2024 Pickleball for Parkinson’s event 

Improving gross motor skills can enhance overall mobility and reduce the risk of falls. Try the following activities to help improve balance, flexibility, and coordination.

Racket Sports

Racketball, pickleball, and ping-pong are excellent options for improving balance, hand-eye coordination, and concentration. A 2021 study found people who participated in ping-pong exercise programs once a week for six months showed improvement in their PD symptoms.

In addition to the physical and cognitive benefits, racket sports also provide a great outlet for socialization and camaraderie.

Hiking

Research shows aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking or hiking, significantly improve motor action, balance, and gait including gait velocity, stride/step length, and walking ability in people with PD. Both activities can easily incorporate mobility aids such as walking sticks and canes so people with Parkinson’s can get outside while also prioritizing their safety.

Hiking involves navigating uneven terrain, which helps improve balance and cognition. Not to mention the mental health benefits of being immersed in fresh air and the beauty of nature!

Check out Pass to Pass for multi-day supported backpacking trips for people with Parkinson’s. Pass to Pass organizes hikes across the West Coast that are planned and led by people impacted by Parkinson’s, helping people with PD have a positive hiking experience.

Dancing

Dance is an enjoyable and effective way to work on balance, coordination, and flexibility.

Various forms of dance, including ballroom, tango, and even simple rhythmic movements, have been shown to help individuals with PD improve their gross motor function. One study even revealed that two, 1-hour dance classes per week for 10-13 weeks had beneficial effects on motor impairment and balance.

Dance also offers a social component, improving emotional well-being.

Yoga

Yoga combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation. For people with Parkinson’s, yoga can improve flexibility, strength, and balance.

Many yoga poses can be adapted to suit varying levels of ability, making it an accessible form of exercise.

Improving PD With the Power of Play

While Parkinson’s disease poses significant challenges to motor skills, targeted games and activities can help manage and even improve fine and gross motor abilities.

Incorporating these activities into a daily routine can empower people with Parkinson’s to maintain independence and enhance their quality of life, allowing them to engage with the world in meaningful and fulfilling ways!