Non-contact boxing therapy joins fight against Parkinson’s

An new boxing therapy has revealed promising results for people with early Parkinson's by boosting their balance, fitness and overall wellbeing.

Of roughly 100,000 Australians living with Parkinson's, over 80 per cent are diagnosed at around 64 years.

It's estimated that the group makes up between five to eight per cent of the population in residential aged care, compared to the general population rate of 0.7 per cent.

Clinical neurologist at the Perron Institute Medical Director Professor David Blacker was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2018.

As a strong advocate of exercise, he designed FIGHT-PD, which combines non-contact boxing techniques with traditional physiotherapy to reduce the symptoms.

"Before I started the therapy, I could feel the disease starting to take over," professor Blacker said.

"But during boxing sessions, I feel amazing and almost forget for a few hours that I have Parkinson's.

"It's like having a glimpse of life without the disease, where you can walk freely and without limitations again."

Ten people around 60 living with Parkinson's reported improved muscle strength, balance, and fitness levels after doing three one-hour weekly lessons for 15 weeks.

They also reported improved strength, agility and better performance during daily tasks.

Professor Blacker said that the postures, stances and movements in boxing are 'almost the opposite of what happens in Parkinson's disease.'

"You often see these stooped-forward short shuffling steps with reduced arm swing, very slow movements, and poor balance," he said.

"But for boxing, you need to stand tall, upright and make rapid, balanced movements with speed.

"One of the physiotherapy philosophies of rehabilitation is the stimulation of large movements – Boxing is ideal for those postural and balance aspects."

Parkinson's is a disease where brain cells predominantly produce dopamine, a chemical for smooth body movements, are damaged, resulting in coordination and mobility issues.

Symptoms include tremors, muscle stiffness, difficulty with balance and walking, slower movements, and challenges in performing daily tasks.

A person with the condition might also face changes in speech, writing, mood and other cognitive abilities. 

While there is no cure for Parkinson's, treatments can help manage symptoms, such as medication that boosts dopamine levels or targets specific symptoms.

Research also suggests that physical therapy and exercise are vital for maintaining mobility and strength, such as yoga, biking, running, dance and weight training.

Professor Blacker said non-contact boxing was gaining popularity since it helped to improve hand-eye coordination, reaction time and balance.

"Importantly, and somewhat tantalisingly, it may also reduce the rate of progression," he said.

"And that's the key thing because no medication or treatment has been found so far that slows the disease down."

Participants also reported they felt more confident, slept better and had a general sense of increased vitality.

Professor Blacker remembered one of the female participants, who used to be a runner, who unexpectedly found herself jogging during a warm-up session.

"It brought such a smile to her face – It was truly unforgettable."

Participants also reported fewer trips and falls due to the newly-learned boxing stances and techniques.

"I found myself instinctively taking up the boxing stance when I was about to lose my balance," professor Blacker said.

"I'm sure it saved me from a few broken bones!"

But above all, professor Blacker said the therapy brought new friendships and support to people who all faced the same challenges and hardships.

"The camaraderie and morale within these sessions were fantastic," he said.

"We share updates on our progress, and whenever there's something new related to Parkinson's, we share it for everyone to see and discuss.

"We continue to communicate with each other."

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