In the Summer 2016 issue of MPDN we included an article titled Balance in Parkinson Disease (1) which noted that among various interventions, boxing training may be useful in PD. The article summarized a boxing trial published in the journal NeuroRehabilitation (2) which described patients working with certified trainers at the University of Indiana who focused the participants on a circuit of stretching, punching bags, resistance exercises, and aerobic exercise training. Before and after completion at many weeks, those involved demonstrated significant improvements in gait velocity, endurance, balance, mobility, and quality of life. The investigators were building upon an earlier boxing intervention trial published in the journal Physical Therapy (3). Boxing and exercise at large are part of an ongoing effort over the last few decades to identify physical approaches that will not only improve mobility and dexterity, but decrease fall risk, and possibly slow down disease. More on various exercise approaches may be found in the Fall 2016 article by Dr. Kleinman (4).
Building in this direction, in 2016 Cate Parker, MS, RN, CEP, Director of Mid Coast Center for Community Health & Wellness, formed a team of specialists and began a series of ongoing exercise programs at the Landing YMCA in Brunswick (5). There are three classes: a general exercise class for people with PD, a class for graduates of the LSVT program, and Rock Steady Boxing (RSB). I can say anecdotally that feedback from those taking RSB has been very positive.
Cate Parker is happy these programs are taking off, and would stress that physical activity has many potential benefits in PD, including improved strength, mobility, flexibility and balance. “To obtain the greatest benefits, patients must commit to daily exercise for life, just like medicine. Many of our support group participants commented on how difficult it was to exercise on their own or how they were challenged to maintain any improvements they achieved during the LSVT program. The group asked for help. As a result we investigated the best exercise options and decided to collaborate with the YMCA to develop a multi-option approach. Exercise is only helpful if you ‘do it,’ so we decided to provide different options for different people. Our programs include LSVT, dance, yoga and boxing. Almost any exercise is good medicine for someone with Parkinson’s disease.”
RSB trainers Zachary Hartman, EP, and Jennifer Anderson, PT, MPT, flew to Indianapolis to learn the technique and become certified instructors. In a written response to questions about the programs, they note that “Parkinson’s specific programs at the YMCA Brunswick Landing offer a range of activities for those of all ability levels. The staff emphasizes safety of each of the participants, while pushing each individual to their intensity threshold in order to help them reach their full potential. After the Rock Steady Boxing class, participating athletes have reported immediate improvements in symptoms such as bradykinesia, posture, and fine motor skills. One boxer reported that he was able to type for the first time in a few years. Other boxers have been able to learn to transfer off the floor independently. A few participants have been quick to report that the high intensity exercise has improved their ability to sleep at night. Participants not only report improvements in physical strength, balance, and range of motion; but they also appreciate improvements in mental and emotional health. The exercise programs allow for great comradery, and they truly feel like they are members of a team working together in order to improve quality of life. The group members are quick to encourage one another. Staff members have heard them commenting to each other on the improvements they can see from one week to the next. Individuals may have good or bad days but as a whole the group is always improving and having fun while doing it. These exercise groups are intentionally not focused on what the athletes cannot do, but instead on what they can do. That positive atmosphere is therapeutic in itself.” Boxing classes for PD take place from 1:30 to 3:30pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays (6).
To learn more about boxing in Brunswick, see the online articles and videos that have been produced lately (7,8,9,10).
footnote: None of the participants were punched in the making of this article.
REFERENCES (URLs accessed 3/25/17)
- https://mainepdnews.org/2016/06/07/balance-in-parkinson-disease/
- Combs et al., Community-based group exercise for persons with Parkinson disease: a randomized controlled trial. NeuroRehabilitation. 2013;32(1):117-24.
- Combs, et al, Boxing Training for Patients WithParkinson Disease: A Case Series Physical Therapy. 2011;91(1):132-142.
- https://mainepdnews.org/2016/09/24/exercise-and-parkinsons-disease/
- http://www.midcoasthealth.com/wellness/parkinsons-disease/
- https://docs.google.com/viewerng/viewer?url=http://bathymca.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Class-schedule-Spring-2017-2.pdf&hl=en_US
- http://www.timesrecord.com/news/2016-12-21/Front_Page/Hitting_back_at_Parkinsons.html
- http://bangordailynews.com/2017/03/24/next/parkinsons-patients-are-fighting-back-against-the-disease-literally/?goal=0_715eed3192-69816d43f8-82460469 BDN article with video
- https://youtu.be/XR5spbBbwao Maine Public video
- http://www.sunjournal.com/news/lewiston-auburn/2017/01/14/new-way-battle-parkinsons-boxing/2050682#.WHvsfypcXcU.email (by subscription)
