Rock Steady Boxing In The Medical Literature
Although there is a lot of anecdotal evidence that promotes Rock Steady Boxing, there have only been two small trials that sought to examine the clinical benefits of Rock Steady Boxing. In one study, 31 people with PD were assigned to either a boxing exercise training or traditional exercise for 24-36 sessions, each lasting 90 minutes over 12 weeks. Participants were tested before and after completion of training on measures of balance, balance confidence, mobility, gait velocity, gait endurance, and quality of life. Although the researchers state that their original hypothesis was that boxing would lead to greater improvements than traditional exercise, the study did not bear that out. Both groups demonstrated gains on multiple measures. No outcome measure demonstrated a significant difference between groups except for balance confidence which favored the traditional exercise group. Despite the fact that boxing was not shown to be better than traditional exercise, it did improve important measures of fitness.
In a second trial, six people with PD attended 24-36 boxing training sessions, each lasting 90 minutes over 12 weeks. Outcome measures of balance, mobility and quality of life were assessed at 12, 24, and 36 weeks. Each of the participants showed improvement on at least five of the 12 outcome measures at 12 weeks, which was sustained at 24 and 36 weeks.
Data Sources And Searches
Eight electronic databases were searched using the following terms and synonyms: Parkinson’s, Parkinson disease, PD, idiopathic primary parkinsonism, primary parkinsonism, shaking palsy, boxing, combat sports, punch, pugilism, amateur boxing from inception up until August 14, 2019. The databases were searched with comparable strategies using terms and search language adapted to the individual database format. The Medline search strategy is listed in Appendix 2 . Reference lists of the included studies were hand-searched and experts in the field of movement disorders were consulted.
How Does Boxing Exercise Help Parkinsons Symptoms
Boxing exercise is a therapeutic technique to improve coordination and balance. The boxing techniques help to build strength, counter muscle rigidity, and improve agility, balance, posture, and hand-eye coordination in patients who have the disease. This treatment requires whole-body movement, from upper-body punching motions to lower-body footwork. Boxing treatment addresses the symptoms of tremors, balance issues, gait mobility, and postural rigidity and instability by encouraging agility of movement in multiple directions, flexibility of the spine, and coordination of movement at faster speeds.
A case study of Rock Steady boxers who have Parkinsons disease revealed that after 24 to 35 classes over the course of 12 weeks, all six boxers improved in at least five out of twelve outcome measures, including the Functional Reach test, cadence, stride length, step width, gait speed, and Parkinson Disease Quality of Life Scale. Those in the earlier stages of the disease improved more quickly at 12 weeks than those at a more advanced stage of the disease, although those with a more severe case also benefited from classes that ran 24 to 36 weeks.
If you or a family member has been diagnosed with Parkinsons disease and are looking for treatment options, dont hesitate to . Through innovative treatment and unique exercise programs, we can help you manage this disease and regain function you may have lost in a safe and supportive environment!
Recommended Reading: Wrist Weights For Parkinson’s Tremors
How Exercise May Slow Down Parkinsons Disease Progression
Exercise is thought to help slow down or possibly even reverse the progression of Parkinsons disease by causing neurological changes in your brain.
have found that exercise may have neuroprotective effects on the brain by increasing your bodys production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and growth factors that promote the growth of brain cells.
Other have found that exercise might limit the depletion of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra. Exercise might also enhance your bodys ability to adapt to altered levels of dopamine and another neurotransmitter called glutamate.
For Some Parkinsons Patients Boxing Can Be A Great Therapy
No-contact boxing is a great full-body workout for just about anyone, but experts have found that boxing can actually benefit many people with neurological disorders, specifically, Parkinsons disease.
Parkinsons disease is a progressive neurological disease in the brain that triggers unintended or uncontrollable movements, such as shaking, dizziness, stiffness, difficulties with speaking, fatigue, loss of coordination, and falling.
While there is no cure or way to stop symptoms from occurring, researchers believe that high-intensity exercise can slow the progression of Parkinsons by promoting neurological changes in the brain, as well as improve patients confidence. Boxing for Parkinsons helps people improve their coordination, agility, and balance. It is a physical way to fight back against Parkinsons.
Once it was recognized that there could be a benefit for people with Parkinsons to practice boxing, the Boxing for Parkinsons program through Rock Steady Boxing Orange County was created. The program implemented high-intensity exercise with strength and cardiovascular conditioning so that participants dont take punches, they only throw them while focusing on agility and balance while avoiding overexertion.
Boxing also seems to help with other neurological disorders, such as multiple sclerosis and people who have experienced a stroke.
Dont Miss: Cardinal Signs Of Parkinsons
Also Check: Things For Parkinson Patients To Do
Boxing For Parkinsons: A Total Workout From Head To Toe
Hitting heavy bags builds power and strength. Punching speed bags improves hand-eye coordination and posture. Doing footwork drills improve balance and agility. Tossing medicine balls improves reaction time.
Other intense exercise activities like running on a treadmill or cycling have been shown to slow the progression of Parkinsons. But running on a treadmill or cycling wont do much for your upper body strength, agility, or coordination. And neither have the cool factor going to a boxing class confers.
Researchers Study Potential Benefits Of Boxing For Parkinsons Patients
CHICAGO For years, researchers have documented the therapeutic benefits of exercise for patients with neurological and movement disorders. Now, a pilot study shows that boxing may ease the symptoms of Parkinsons.
About six years ago, retired firefighter Catherine Renar was having difficulty walking and developed pain in her feet.
I was trying going from doctor to doctor, trying to figure out what was going on and nobody could quite figure it out, she said.
It was Parkinsons disease. The diagnosis for Renar, a former athlete, was something that redefined who she was as a person.
I have come to terms with I am not as physically strong as I once was.
She took up boxing as part of a Parkinsons Foundation-funded pilot study on its impact on patients.
The program was modified specifically for people with stage two Parkinsonswhen patients have symptoms like tremors, rigidity and difficulty walking.
No one’s going to hit you in the head, and we don’t expect you to hit anybody else in the head. So, that is really the difference here. And although it’s a basic difference, it’s an important difference, said Dr. Deborah Hall, director of the Parkinson’s Disease Center of Excellence.
The boxers were then followed for three months.
They also found decreases in anxiety, sleep problems and pain.
Every time I left there I was in a better mood, said Renar.
She says she felt a difference after each session not just physically, but mentally and emotionally.
Recommended Reading: Parkinson’s Getting Out Of Bed
Bt Exercises And Performance Measurements
On initial evaluation, each participant was screened for details regarding their PD diagnosis, including symptoms, self-reported frequency of falls, other medical conditions and comorbidities, and medications. Each participant was then matched with a trainer, who provided one-on-one assessment and coaching throughout the duration of the program.
Twice per week, each participant worked with their trainer on specific boxing-related exercises aimed at improving overall coordination, gait, and balance. The program consists of hundreds of exercises/skill sets, broken down into three main phases. Phase one began with mastering a set position, which established basic balance and holding a specific posture, with feet a little farther apart than shoulder width. In phase two, boxing footwork was practiced, wherein forward, side, and backward steps were made with increasing speed, based out of the set position and according to specific landmarks on the floor. The third phase involved mastering a series of punches, both in the air and at a bag, timed to maximize force based on proper balance, posture, and steps. Each phase had to be mastered before starting the next phase. Progress through each of the three phases was tailored to the physical condition of that participant, based on the judgment of their trainer.
participant was unable to perform the activity at all, even with help
participant required no assistance
How To Get Started Linking Parkinsons Disease And Exercise
Because Parkinsons disease clients have special needs, trainers need special training, too. Just ask Bobby Kelly, finalist for the IDEA 2021 IDEA Personal Trainer of the Year. When he first met Parkinsons patient Buddy Linder, Kelly was hesitant to take him on as a client. He was not in great shapein a wheelchair and already losing his ability to speak, Kelly remembers. I initially told his wife, no.
But programs at the local Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center, part of the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, were full, and the Linders needed help. Kelly thought about it and developed a game planfor himself and for Linder.
Step one, says Kelly, is do your research. That meant contacting the Center and learning everything he could. The Centers stance on exercise is clear: We strongly encourage people with Parkinsons disease to include exercise in their treatment plan, and they recommend training in boxing, dance, yoga and tai chi.
Wait. Boxing? Oh, yes.
You May Like: Heavy Metal Poisoning And Parkinson’s
Only Use A Mirror If Youre A Beginner Working On Technique
Despite its name, when youre shadow boxing, youre not really going to be sparring with a shadow on a wall. Aaron doesnt like to use mirrors for shadow-boxing work either. He wants his boxers to feel a correct punch being thrown, not just see it. With that said, hell sometimes have his beginning boxers stand in front of a mirror while shadow boxing to help them fine-tune their technique.
Recommended Reading: Parkinson Disease Medications To Avoid
Congressman Higgins Announces The Boxing Therapy For Parkinsons Access Act Of 2022
Congressman Brian Higgins joined local veterans to announce the Boxing Therapy for Parkinsons Access Act of 2022 . The bipartisan bill, introduced by Rep. Higgins and Congressman Darin LaHood , directs the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to provide coverage for boxing-based therapy classes to veterans diagnosed with Parkinsons disease and other movement disorders.
Many veterans in Western New York and across the country struggle to manage Parkinsons diseases and similar movement disorders, while maintaining an independent and mobile lifestyle, said Congressman Higgins. Boxing can provide veterans and other patients with an innovative form of physical therapy that can slow the progress of the disease and improve their quality of life. Currently, it is not covered under VA benefits. The Boxing Therapy for Parkinsons Access Act will ensure that all veterans have access to this therapy to help them reclaim their lives from Parkinsons disease.
It didnt take long for Congressman Higgins to go to work on the PD issue, said former Congressman Jack Quinn. My brother Jeff and I showed him a 15-minute video, at lunch, in the Capitol. Just a few months later, here he is with bi-partisan legislation to help provide hope for thousands of our Veterans. Special thanks to Congressman Darin LaHood, son of Secretary Ray LaHood, for recognizing the non-partisan nature of this important legislation.
Read Also: Huntington’s And Parkinson’s Symptoms
How Boxing Benefits People With Parkinsons
Non-contact Parkinsons boxing programs, like Rock Steady Boxing, provide education and student-specific training to help people with Parkinsons improve their gross motor skills, balance confidence, and mental sharpness. The high-intensity exercise and endurance training performed in boxing also help Parkinsons patients improve their crawling, hopping, jumping, and walking skills.
How Boxing Helps Parkinsons Disease Clients
Reid Health in Indiana is the first hospital affiliate for Rock Steady Boxing, a program that uses noncontact boxing-inspired fitness routines so participants can dramatically improve their ability to live independent lives.
Emerging research supports the idea. As reported on reidhealth.org and published in Physical Therapy, the study followed a few boxers in the Rock Steady Boxing Foundation found that all boxers who followed through on 12 weeks of training saw improvements in their symptoms. The study tracked balance, gait, quality of life and disability.
Those who stuck with the training for 24 or even 36 weeks saw sustained improvement in their symptoms. Even boxers who worked out less often after the initial 12 weeks continued to improve. Participants with moderate to severe Parkinsons took a little longer than those with milder symptoms to see changes, but their dedication paid off a few weeks later.
You May Like: Stabilizing Spoon For Parkinsons
Read Also: Parkinson’s Disease Research Paper
How Much Does It Cost And Will My Insurance Cover It
Your insurance may cover some expenses related to PD, but its unlikely to cover the cost of boxing classes.
Some gyms may accept some forms of insurance. According to the website of a New York-based gym, they now accept Independent Health as a form of insurance to cover sessions with a $10 copay for each session and up to 8 sessions per month.
The cost of Parkinsons boxing classes vary based on your geographic location and the gym you go to. People typically report paying about $75 to $150. As an example, Icor Rock Steady Boxing in Iowa City lists their price as $75 per month after a $75 startup fee.
Boxing Therapy For Parkinsons: Learn How To Punch Back
If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with Parkinsons disease, you already know that its a progressive neurological disorder that dramatically impacts mobility. What you may not know, however, is that some exercises are particularly effective in slowing the progression of the disease and can even help maintain quality of life. In this post, well explore the benefits of boxing therapy for Parkinsons and how it works.
Also Check: Are Parkinson’s Patients More Susceptible To Infection
Boxing Therapy Improves Mobility
Another thing youll notice about the most effective boxers is that they rarely stand still. The reason for this is simple moving targets are harder to hit. Of course, boxing therapy for Parkinsons isnt about dodging incoming jabs, its about practicing mobility by stepping in multiple directions, changing speeds and staying light on your toes.
How does it work? Parkinsons attacks both our mobility and agility two traits boxers work to improve through their training routines. Boxing therapy for Parkinsons is specifically designed to help strengthen these abilities.
Boxing Training To Help Fight Parkinsons Disease
Ten years ago, Burnett Facer was diagnosed with Parkinsons disease. Since then, he has followed his doctors orders, exercised regularly, and tried various ways to slow the progression of the disease.
Facer says, When I read online about Parkinsons, boxing training kept popping up as a worthwhile treatment with good results. Its a non-drug approach to the neurological problem of Parkinsons disease.
Putting the Gloves Back On
Boxing had not typically been of interest to Facer, except for a brief experience as a child. He says, One year, I got boxing gloves for Christmas. There were seven boys in my family and three girls. I had plenty of opponents! But no training whatsoever. No instruction.
After Facers childhood experience, he might never have picked up a pair of boxing gloves again. But then, at age 64, he began formal boxing trainingthis time, to fight the progression of Parkinsons disease.
Benefits of Intense Exercise for Parkinsons
Many articles and videos describe the benefits of boxing programs for Parkinsons disease, such as Rock Steady Boxinga fitness-inspired, non-contact boxing program for people with Parkinsons.
A Personal Boxing Trainer
Inspiring Results
The physical benefits of boxing were evident to both Facer and Shinpaugh.
Shinpaugh says, I noticed that Burnetts eye-hand coordination improved, and that he no longer shook while boxing. Burnett said that he felt boxing helped slow the progression of Parkinsons.
You May Like: Emory Parkinson’s Disease Research
High Intensity Exercise May Be Particularly Helpful
Its thought that high intensity exercise might be particularly beneficial for slowing the progression of PD.
In a 2014 study , researchers examined the benefits of high intensity physical therapy with gait training, strengthening, and perceiving cues on a group of 30 participants in the early stages of PD. They found that the exercise program stimulated increased levels of BDNF and had neuroprotective effects on cells that produce dopamine.
In a 2018 clinical trial , researchers found that a high intensity treadmill program where participants ran at 80 to 85 percent of their maximum heart rate three times per week saw no change in the severity of their symptoms over 6 months. Participants who exercised at a lower intensity had a worsening of symptoms.
Vividly Visualize A Boxer In Front Of You
Even when youre not using a mirror, you should be sparring with an opponent in your mind. Visualize him: How far is he from you? Where is his body relative to you? At what height is his head? I have my fighters imagine a boxer in front of them in the middle of the ring, but it has to be vivid. It requires mental focus, Aaron says. To make sure my fighters have a vivid imaginary boxer in front of them, Ill ask them, What color are his shorts? If they cant answer right away, it means theyre not focused on the practice, and they need to get their head back in the game.
Don’t Miss: Botox For Drooling In Parkinson’s
Boxing Therapy Helps With Activities Of Daily Living
The International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society sought to determine the impact of boxing therapy on Parkinsons disease, including improvements to participants ability to perform ADLs. What they found was encouraging. On average, modest improvements in both ADL performance and motor skills were documented among the participants.
How does it work? Recent studies performed at The Cleveland Clinic show that certain types of exercise have neuro-protective benefits, including the ability to slow the progression of diseases like Parkinsons. This may explain why boxing therapy for Parkinsons is helping people maintain or improve their quality of life.