Objective: The main objective was to assess long-term effects of a community-based adapted boxing program on physical capacity and QoL in individuals with mild, or moderate to severe PD. A secondary objective was to explore links between class adherence, physical capacity and QoL.

Background: Adapted boxing programs may be a promising physical activity intervention as it targets some major motor symptoms in Parkinson disease (PD) such as rigidity and freezing. In addition, social impact of exercising with other individuals living with PD may contribute to a better wellbeing, and thus a greater quality of life (QoL). Nevertheless, there is currently no evidence of a long-term impact of such adapted exercise.

Method: Using a community-based adapted boxing program database, a retrospective design was chosen to compare data collected at individual’s initial assessment prior undertaking the boxing sessions, and at a 12-16 months reassessment checkpoint. A non probabilistic convenience sample was built from study population (N=23) referring to all ongoing participants who had been adhering for at least a year, had completed both initial and one-year evaluation. Participants with conditions such as secondary parkinsonism (e.g. Lewy bodies dementia) or essential tremor were excluded or those with incomplete data. Boxing classes are described as 90 minutes sessions offered twice a week. All boxing exercises sessions begin with a warm-up and end with a cool-down. Warm-up is followed by fine motor exercises (e.g. fine dexterity activities for hand tremor), non-contact punching activities and functional program (e.g. footwork and agility drills).

Results: Outcome measures assessing physical capacity were: Fullerton Advanced Balance test, Timed “Up & Go” test, and 30 seconds-Sit-To-Stand test. Outcome measure for QoL was the Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire-39. PD severity degree was reported using the Hoehn and Yahr scale. Adherence was also computed.

Conclusion: There is further need for supportive evidence of such program, especially on a long-term basis considering that PD is a neurodegenerative condition slowly progressing over years.

References: [1] Combs, S.A., Diehl, M.D., Chrzastowski, C., Didrick, N., McCoin, B., Mox, N., et al. (2013). Community-based group exercise for persons with Parkinson disease: a randomized controlled trial. NeuroRehabilitation, 32, 117–24. doi:10.3233/NRE-130828. [2] Combs, S.A., Diehl, M.D., Staples, W.H., Conn, L., Davis, K., Lewis, N., et al. (2011). Boxing training for patients with Parkinson disease: a case series. Physical Therapy, 91(1), 132–42. doi:10.2522/ptj.20100142. [3] Hoehn, M. & Yahr, M.D. (1967). Parkinsonism: onset, progression and mortality. Neurology, 7, 427–42. [4] Humphrey, C. (2017). Perceptions of the impact of non-contact boxing social and community engagement for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease. Archives of Occupational Therapy, Doctorate Capstones Projects. Eastern Kentucky University, KY. [5] Morris, M.E., Ellis, T.D., Jazayeri, D., Heng, H., Thomson, A., Balasundaram, A.P., & Slade, S.C. (2019). Boxing for Parkinson’s Disease: Has Implementation Accelerated Beyond Current Evidence ? Frontiers in Neurology, 10(1222), 1-10.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/effects-of-a-community-based-adapted-boxing-program-on-physical-capacity-and-quality-of-life-in-individuals-with-parkinson-disease-over-a-12-month-period/