Table tennis is an “exercise that activates the brain” T-NEXT and MITS confirm activation of the prefrontal cortex in joint research on dementia prevention and improvement
On July 31, the Japanese general incorporated association T-NEXT announced the results of its first-stage survey in the “joint research on dementia prevention and improvement through table tennis,” which it is conducting together with MITS Technologies Co., Ltd.
In a preliminary test involving four healthy seniors in their 60s to 80s, clear changes in activity and activation were confirmed in the prefrontal cortex of all subjects after they played table tennis. The findings scientifically suggest that table tennis is not merely physical exercise, but an activity that stimulates cognitive function in the brain.
■ Main points of the announcement
Activation of the prefrontal cortex: The brain’s “command center,” which governs decision-making and emotion control, was activated in all subjects.
More efficient brain processing: Unnecessary load in visual processing was reduced, shifting the brain into an efficient state without fatigue.
Improved motivation and positive emotions: The results support effects not only on thinking ability, but also on “motivation” and a positive mindset.
■ Table tennis’s unique strength in “restarting the brain gears” for older adults
The study used an electroencephalograph (made by g.tec medical engineering) for highly precise analysis. The results showed strong activation of the frontal lobe, which handles attention and cognitive control in older adults, as well as dominant activity in the left frontal area, which is associated with maintaining motivation.
In addition, it was found that neural networks involved in movement planning and body control were smoothly reconnected, and that after play, excessive load on the occipital lobe was reduced, putting the brain into a “low-energy, efficient state” that was both relaxed and sharply tuned.
Table tennis is a lifelong sport with low physical strain and a low risk of injury, yet it is also a highly complex multitasking activity that simultaneously involves things like “predicting the opponent’s movement” and “making split-second decisions.” This study has now backed up its neuroscientific effectiveness.
■ Future outlook and partner recruitment
Comment from Yosuke Kurashima, Representative Director of T-NEXT
“Table tennis is a sport that requires not only full-body movement, but also highly advanced cognitive activity. It continuously repeats a series of cognitive processes, from visual tracking to predicting the opponent’s movement, making split-second judgments, and then playing the ball. Furthermore, I believe one of table tennis’s great hallmarks is that it naturally involves complex information processing that can be described as a double task, and at times even a triple task.
Table tennis is also a lifelong sport that is not affected by the weather and can be started relatively inexpensively in a small space. It can be enjoyed by a wide range of generations, from early childhood to older adults, and can also be adapted to each person’s physical condition, such as through large-ball table tennis or seated table tennis. Another appealing feature of table tennis is that simply keeping the Rally going is itself enjoyable. As you Rally with your Opponent, conversation and smiles naturally emerge, and connections between people are built. Not only competition, but also mutual support and sharing enjoyment—these are part of what makes table tennis so distinctive and so appealing.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone at MITS Technologies Co., Ltd. for examining the possibilities of table tennis from the perspective of cutting-edge brain science and visualizing its new value. I feel that showing, as scientific evidence, the potential that the table tennis world has long sensed empirically is a major step forward for the future of table tennis.
While this first-stage survey is only a preliminary test, we believe it marks the first step in showing that table tennis can contribute to solving social issues—not only as a competitive sport, but also through potential applications in extending healthy life expectancy, maintaining cognitive function, and even preventing dementia. T-NEXT will continue to build on its research and, together with scientific evidence, share with society the value that can only be realized through table tennis, while spreading a new culture of ‘life with table tennis.’
Through this joint research, we hope that as many people as possible will come to feel this way, and that the future will see table tennis recognized more widely not only as a competitive sport, but also as a sport that supports people’s health, smiles, and connections with others.”
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