Table Tennis Improves Balance and Motor Skills in Children with Autism

Children with autism spectrum disorder often struggle with balance and motor coordination, which can limit their participation in daily activities and social interactions. A 2026 study published in the Journal of Sports and Rehabilitation Sciences found that table tennis training significantly improved both balance and object control skills in children with ASD over an 8-week period.

The quasi-experimental study involved 30 children with mild-to-moderate autism, aged 6 to 10 years, who were randomly divided into two groups. One group received table tennis training while the other participated in Tennikoit play therapy, a ring-throwing game adapted for therapeutic use. Both groups trained for 40 minutes per day, five days per week, for eight weeks.

Balance performance was measured using the Paediatric Berg Balance Scale (PBBS), while object control skills were assessed using the Test of Gross Motor Development-2 (TGMD-2). These standardized tools evaluate a child’s ability to maintain stability and manipulate objects, which are fundamental skills for sports participation and daily functioning.

The table tennis group showed substantial improvements across both measures. Object control scores increased from a mean of 62.47 (standard deviation 4.93) at baseline to 89.53 (SD 2.97) after eight weeks of training. This represents a significant gain in motor proficiency for children who often experience delays in skill acquisition.

Balance performance also improved markedly. The table tennis group increased their PBBS scores from 28.00 (SD 4.47) at the start of the study to 39.67 (SD 3.09) post-intervention. These gains indicate enhanced postural control and dynamic stability, which are critical for activities requiring rapid position changes and weight shifting.

The study found that both interventions were effective, with Tennikoit play therapy showing slightly larger gains. However, the substantial improvements in the table tennis group demonstrate that this accessible sport can serve as a viable rehabilitation tool for children with ASD. The sport requires rapid adjustments, hand-eye coordination, and dynamic balance, which directly address the motor challenges faced by these children.

Previous research supports these findings. A 2017 meta-analysis of physical activity interventions for children with ASD, published in Research in Developmental Disabilities, found that ball sports consistently produced significant improvements in motor skills across multiple studies. The analysis included 29 studies and confirmed that structured sports programs can enhance both gross and fine motor abilities in this population.

Table tennis offers several advantages as a therapeutic intervention. The sport can be modified to accommodate different skill levels and sensory sensitivities. The predictable ball trajectory and defined playing area provide structure that many children with autism find reassuring. The turn-based nature of the game also supports social interaction and communication practice in a low-pressure environment.

The 2026 study used rigorous methodology including blinding of assessors and standardized outcome measures. Children had IQ scores of 70 or higher and mild-to-moderate autism severity, ensuring the intervention was appropriate for their developmental level. This careful participant selection strengthens the generalizability of the findings to similar populations.

Impaired balance and object control skills can limit children with ASD in everyday activities such as dressing, climbing stairs, and participating in playground games. These motor deficits also reduce opportunities for social interaction with peers during play. By improving these fundamental skills, table tennis training may help increase independence and social integration for children with autism.

The 40-minute daily training dose used in the study represents a practical intervention length for school or clinical settings. The frequency of five sessions per week aligns with recommendations for motor skill acquisition, which typically require frequent practice to produce lasting changes.

Sports-based interventions like table tennis offer a motivating alternative to traditional physical therapy for children with ASD. The element of play and competition can increase engagement and adherence compared to exercise performed in isolation. The social nature of table tennis also provides natural opportunities to practice turn-taking and appropriate social behaviors.

For clinicians, therapists, and educators working with children with ASD, this study provides evidence that table tennis can be an effective component of motor skill rehabilitation programs. The sport’s combination of cognitive demands, motor challenges, and social interaction makes it particularly suited to addressing the multifaceted needs of this population.

Future research should examine whether these improvements persist after the intervention ends and whether table tennis training can be combined with other therapies to produce additive benefits. Longer follow-up periods would help determine if initial gains translate into lasting improvements in functional independence and quality of life.

As evidence accumulates on the benefits of sports-based interventions for ASD, table tennis stands out as an accessible, scalable, and effective option for improving balance and motor skills in this population. The sport requires minimal equipment and can be adapted to various settings, making it feasible to implement in schools, clinics, and community centers.

The finding that table tennis produces significant motor gains in children with ASD adds to the growing body of research supporting the use of sports as therapeutic tools. For the estimated 1 in 31 children diagnosed with autism, these interventions offer a promising pathway to improved motor function, greater independence, and enhanced participation in daily life.