T-NEXT General Incorporated Association and MITS Technologies Launch Joint Research on Dementia Prevention and Improvement Through Table Tennis
The T-NEXT General Incorporated Association has launched a joint research initiative with MITS Technologies Co., Ltd., a company with advanced brainwave analysis technology, focusing on dementia prevention and improvement through table tennis. As a first step, they conducted an initial survey using an electroencephalograph (EEG). The goal is to visualize the effects of table tennis on dementia prevention and improvement, and to identify effective methods for implementing table tennis well-being into society.
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- 📰 Published: June 10, 2026 at 00:00
- 🔍 Collected: June 9, 2026 at 15:21
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The T-NEXT General Incorporated Association (Headquarters: Tokyo, Representative Director: Yosuke Kurashima, hereinafter referred to as "T-NEXT"), which aims to "nurture table tennis talent capable of competing globally," "realize a prosperous society utilizing table tennis," and "create new value through table tennis," has commenced a "Joint Research on Dementia Prevention and Improvement Through Table Tennis" with MITS Technologies Co., Ltd. (Representative: Yasue Mikura, hereinafter referred to as "MITS") which possesses advanced brainwave analysis technology.
As a first step, we are pleased to announce that an "Initial Joint Research Survey (Pilot Study)" using an electroencephalograph (manufactured by g.tec medical engineering, model: g.USBamp) was conducted on May 24, 2026.
Through this research, we plan to identify methods for the proper implementation of table tennis well-being into society by visualizing "dementia prevention and improvement through table tennis."
■ Background and Objectives of Joint Research
Currently, the number of people with dementia in Japan, including MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment) and its preclinical stage, is estimated to be around 30 million. This poses a significant social challenge, not only in terms of medical costs but also the burden of care on families.
Table tennis possesses unique potential as a lifelong sport, characterized by "a large number of enthusiasts nationwide," "a high proportion of elderly participants," and "safety with minimal risk of injury."
Furthermore, the playing environment of table tennis fulfills the three key elements for dementia prevention: "sensory nerves x motor nerves x motivation," and is thought to have significant health benefits in suppressing the progression of MCI.
T-NEXT has initiated this joint research to scientifically demonstrate and visualize the well-being and QOL (Quality of Life) benefits of table tennis, and to widely promote them to society.
■ About MITS
MITS, led by Professor Mikura of Keio University, is a world-leading R&D company possessing unique bio-signal visualization technology (BIO-INTELLIGENCE), including the MCI/dementia diagnostic system "MCI Analyzer" that utilizes electroencephalography.
By combining MITS's advanced analysis technology with traditional exercise intervention studies, it becomes possible to precisely extract and map the "range and degree of brain activation due to the specific movements in table tennis."
In collaboration with MITS, we will implement environments that promote healthy longevity with high effectiveness and reliability for dementia prevention and MCI suppression, based on scientific evidence.
■ Overview of Initial Joint Research Survey
An elementary initial survey was conducted to understand the effects of table tennis on cognitive function.
Date: Sunday, May 24, 2026
Location: Tamasu Co., Ltd. Headquarters (1-7-1 Asagaya Minami, Suginami-ku, Tokyo)
Participants: 4 healthy elderly individuals (2 males, 2 females) aged 60-80 residing in the community.
Participants were individuals who are independent in daily living activities, capable of moderate exercise, and have experience playing table tennis.
Objective: Exploratory comparative study to evaluate acute changes in brain activity (EEG) due to table tennis intervention.
Implementation Details:
■ Interview with Yasue Mikura, Representative of MITS
Yasue Mikura, Representative of MITS Technologies Co., Ltd.
"We had some understanding that table tennis is good for the brain, but we discovered that it truly utilizes various parts of the brain, activating the entire brain beautifully. After playing table tennis, this activation became significantly larger, confirming that the brain is used comprehensively. What was particularly interesting was how it trains dynamic visual acuity, which involves chasing the ball while thinking, and how this was clearly reflected in the brainwaves."
■ Image of Research Results
In this initial survey, the high-precision EEG device g.USBamp was used to precisely track changes in resting-state EEG indicators before and after playing table tennis. The g.USBamp, developed by g.tec medical engineering in Austria, is a high-performance 24-bit bio-signal recording and amplification unit. It can simultaneously record multimodal bio-signals such as electroencephalogram (EEG), electromyogram (EMG), and electrocardiogram (ECG) with high quality, and is widely used as a global standard device for Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) research.
The data measured this time will be mapped and analyzed by MITS's proprietary technology into changes in brainwave components per "Time (s)" and scalp distribution (Topomap) showing activation over time.
This process will visually and quantitatively demonstrate "which parts of the brain related to cognitive function are activated and how, by playing table tennis."
*This is an example image of the analysis using brainwave distribution maps and time-series graphs.
[Contact Information for Inquiries and Collaboration Discussions]
Based on the efficacy evidence obtained from this joint research, T-NEXT will develop and implement various well-being programs through table tennis to create new value.
We are widely seeking "Value Creation Partners (Collaborating/Sponsoring Companies)" who can co-create social impact with us at T-NEXT, as part of enhancing corporate value through initiatives such as corporate health management, extending healthy life expectancy, and creating business opportunities for seniors.
Companies interested in collaborating or media representatives are encouraged to contact us at the details below.
Inquiries
To the T-NEXT Official Website
General Incorporated Association T-NEXT Secretariat
Email: office@t-next.or.jp
Official HP: https://t-next.or.jp
As a first step, we are pleased to announce that an "Initial Joint Research Survey (Pilot Study)" using an electroencephalograph (manufactured by g.tec medical engineering, model: g.USBamp) was conducted on May 24, 2026.
Through this research, we plan to identify methods for the proper implementation of table tennis well-being into society by visualizing "dementia prevention and improvement through table tennis."
■ Background and Objectives of Joint Research
Currently, the number of people with dementia in Japan, including MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment) and its preclinical stage, is estimated to be around 30 million. This poses a significant social challenge, not only in terms of medical costs but also the burden of care on families.
Table tennis possesses unique potential as a lifelong sport, characterized by "a large number of enthusiasts nationwide," "a high proportion of elderly participants," and "safety with minimal risk of injury."
Furthermore, the playing environment of table tennis fulfills the three key elements for dementia prevention: "sensory nerves x motor nerves x motivation," and is thought to have significant health benefits in suppressing the progression of MCI.
T-NEXT has initiated this joint research to scientifically demonstrate and visualize the well-being and QOL (Quality of Life) benefits of table tennis, and to widely promote them to society.
■ About MITS
MITS, led by Professor Mikura of Keio University, is a world-leading R&D company possessing unique bio-signal visualization technology (BIO-INTELLIGENCE), including the MCI/dementia diagnostic system "MCI Analyzer" that utilizes electroencephalography.
By combining MITS's advanced analysis technology with traditional exercise intervention studies, it becomes possible to precisely extract and map the "range and degree of brain activation due to the specific movements in table tennis."
In collaboration with MITS, we will implement environments that promote healthy longevity with high effectiveness and reliability for dementia prevention and MCI suppression, based on scientific evidence.
■ Overview of Initial Joint Research Survey
An elementary initial survey was conducted to understand the effects of table tennis on cognitive function.
Date: Sunday, May 24, 2026
Location: Tamasu Co., Ltd. Headquarters (1-7-1 Asagaya Minami, Suginami-ku, Tokyo)
Participants: 4 healthy elderly individuals (2 males, 2 females) aged 60-80 residing in the community.
Participants were individuals who are independent in daily living activities, capable of moderate exercise, and have experience playing table tennis.
Objective: Exploratory comparative study to evaluate acute changes in brain activity (EEG) due to table tennis intervention.
Implementation Details:
■ Interview with Yasue Mikura, Representative of MITS
Yasue Mikura, Representative of MITS Technologies Co., Ltd.
"We had some understanding that table tennis is good for the brain, but we discovered that it truly utilizes various parts of the brain, activating the entire brain beautifully. After playing table tennis, this activation became significantly larger, confirming that the brain is used comprehensively. What was particularly interesting was how it trains dynamic visual acuity, which involves chasing the ball while thinking, and how this was clearly reflected in the brainwaves."
■ Image of Research Results
In this initial survey, the high-precision EEG device g.USBamp was used to precisely track changes in resting-state EEG indicators before and after playing table tennis. The g.USBamp, developed by g.tec medical engineering in Austria, is a high-performance 24-bit bio-signal recording and amplification unit. It can simultaneously record multimodal bio-signals such as electroencephalogram (EEG), electromyogram (EMG), and electrocardiogram (ECG) with high quality, and is widely used as a global standard device for Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) research.
The data measured this time will be mapped and analyzed by MITS's proprietary technology into changes in brainwave components per "Time (s)" and scalp distribution (Topomap) showing activation over time.
This process will visually and quantitatively demonstrate "which parts of the brain related to cognitive function are activated and how, by playing table tennis."
*This is an example image of the analysis using brainwave distribution maps and time-series graphs.
[Contact Information for Inquiries and Collaboration Discussions]
Based on the efficacy evidence obtained from this joint research, T-NEXT will develop and implement various well-being programs through table tennis to create new value.
We are widely seeking "Value Creation Partners (Collaborating/Sponsoring Companies)" who can co-create social impact with us at T-NEXT, as part of enhancing corporate value through initiatives such as corporate health management, extending healthy life expectancy, and creating business opportunities for seniors.
Companies interested in collaborating or media representatives are encouraged to contact us at the details below.
Inquiries
To the T-NEXT Official Website
General Incorporated Association T-NEXT Secretariat
Email: office@t-next.or.jp
Official HP: https://t-next.or.jp
FAQ
How does table tennis contribute to dementia prevention?
Table tennis engages dynamic vision, judgment, and reflexes, involving whole-body movement, which is thought to activate multiple brain regions and help maintain/improve cognitive function.
What kind of survey was conducted in the joint research?
A preliminary comparative study was performed on healthy elderly individuals aged 60-80, measuring their brainwaves (EEG) before and after playing table tennis to assess changes in brain activity related to cognitive function.
What are the strengths of MITS's brainwave analysis technology?
MITS possesses advanced technology using its proprietary bio-signal visualization (BIO-INTELLIGENCE) to precisely analyze brainwave data and visualize brain activation patterns.
How will the results of this research benefit society?
Based on scientific evidence, the aim is to develop and promote dementia prevention programs and health promotion services incorporating table tennis, contributing to extended healthy life expectancy and improved QOL.
What kind of companies is T-NEXT seeking to collaborate with?
T-NEXT is inviting companies interested in corporate wellness, extending healthy life expectancy, and creating business opportunities for seniors to become "Value Creation Partners" for co-creating social impact.