Objective: To examine the feasibility and effects of an 8-week Taekwondo (TKD) training emphasizing multidirectional, externally focused, and cognitively challenging motor training on balance and mobility in people with Parkinson’s disease (PwPD).

Background: Conventional exercise for PwPD often emphasizes strength and static balance, which may insufficiently challenge rapid multidirectional control and locomotor adaptability. High-velocity, goal-directed training performed with an external focus of attention may enhance motor learning and movement efficiency. TKD inherently provides a complex motor stimulus relevant to locomotor deficits in PD.

Method: Four individuals with mild-to-moderate PD and ten age-matched older adults without PD participated in a community-based TKD program (2 sessions/week for 8 weeks). Training incorporated rapid stepping, pivoting, kicking, and choreographed sequences requiring spatial navigation and directional transitions. Assessments of balance and mobility were conducted at two baseline timepoints, post-training, and 6-month follow-up. Linear mixed-effects models evaluated time effects and exploratory time×group (PD vs. non-PD) interactions.

Results: Self-selected and fast gait speed improved immediately post-training (p<.001). The increase in self-selected gait speed was greater in the PD subgroup (p<.001). Figure-8 walk steps decreased post-training and remained lower at 6 months, indicating improved turning efficiency (p<.001). Five Times Sit-to-Stand performance improved progressively, with the largest gains observed at 6 months. Total Mini-BESTest scores demonstrated delayed improvement at 6 months. Subdomain analysis indicated that the dynamic gait domain was significantly improved after the training in PwPD. Anticipatory and reactive postural control, as well as sensory orientation domains remained stable. Balance confidence did not significantly change. No serious adverse events occurred.

Conclusion: TKD training incorporating high-velocity multidirectional movements with external focus improved mobility and dynamic balance in PwPD, with effects primarily targeting locomotor adaptability rather than static postural control. These findings support complex, task-specific motor practice as a promising strategy to address balance and mobility deficits in PD. Larger controlled trials are needed to examine long-term functional and neuroplastic effects.

Figure 1. The advantages of Taekwondo exercise

Figure 2. Research methods.

Figure 3. An 8-week Taekwondo exercise program.

Figure 5. 10-meter walk test results.

Figure 4. A summary of the study’s findings.

References: 1. Osborne JA, Botkin R, Colon-Semenza C, et al. Physical Therapist Management of Parkinson Disease: A Clinical Practice Guideline From the American Physical Therapy Association. Phys Ther. 2022;102(4). doi:10.1093/ptj/pzab302
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