The purpose of this research is to explore the effects of participation in a pickleball community-based exercise program on function in people with Parkinson's disease (PwPD). Individuals will engage in an 8-week instructional pickleball exercise program designed specifically by Movement Disorder Specialists at the Medical University of South Carolina for PwPD. The pickleball training program involves warm-up exercises, stroke mechanics, fall safety and recovery technique training, effective movement pattern drills, game play strategies, and match play. We aim to quantify the motor function, balance, mobility, and quality of life outcomes through clinical assessments and questionnaires before and after participation in the Pick it Up Pickleball training program. This research will establish an evidence base for pickleball as a therapeutic intervention, opening the door for additional accessible and engaging exercise options for the PD community.

Your participation in this study will help researchers understand genetic information about Parkinson's disease in Black and African Americans. BLAAC PD aims to generate genetic data on PD and non-PD Black and African American participants. To join this study, you must be over 18 years of age and identify as Black or African American. Subjects must have a diagnosis of PD or not have PD or any other neurological condition. The study will consist of one visit, at this visit you will be asked to answer a few questions and give a blood sample. You will not receive your genetic results.