A Community-based Boxing Program is Associated with Improved Balance in Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease

Authors

Abbie Moore, Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Professions, University of MissouriFollow
Enoch Yee, Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Professions, University of Missouri
Brad W. Willis, Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Professions, University of MissouriFollow
Evan L. Prost, Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Professions, Univeristy of Missouri
Aaron D. Gray, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Missouri
J. Bryan Mann, Department of Kinesiology and Sport Sciences, University of Miami

Other Subject Area

Health and Wellness Promotion

Abstract

International Journal of Exercise Science 14(3): 876-884, 2021. In alignment with efforts to mitigate the negative health consequences of Parkinson’s Disease (PD), the purpose of this investigation was to examine if participation in a community-based boxing program (CBP) was associated with improvements in balance and fall risk reduction among individuals with PD. In this retrospective cross-sectional study, de-identified data from 12 individuals with PD participating in a CBP was examined. Participants included those with a Hoehn and Yahr stage between 1 and 3, averaging 2.8 ± 0.8 CBP sessions per week for 6.1 ± 0.8 months between testing. Baseline and re-evaluation testing included the Fullerton Advanced Balance (FAB) Scale and Timed Up and Go (TUG) to quantify balance and fall risk. Sessions were 90-minutes in length involving a warm-up, boxing drills, strength and endurance exercises, and cool down. Sessions included multiple bouts of 30-60 second high-intensity exercise intervals (RPE between 15/20 to 17/20). Paired t-tests were used to determine if differences existed between the FAB and TUG from baseline to re-evaluation, with statistical significance accepted at p < 0.05 and > 0.8 interpreted as a large effect using Cohen’s d. Results indicated a statistically significant increase and large effect in FAB performance, with a mean increase in score above previously reported minimal detectable change (MDC). While participation in CBP was associated with a statistically significant improvement and medium effect in the TUG, this did not demonstrate a population specific MDC. This study found that participation in a CBP was associated with improved balance among clients with PD.

Recommended Citation

Moore, Abbie; Yee, Enoch; Willis, Brad W.; Prost, Evan L.; Gray, Aaron D.; and Mann, J. Bryan (2021) "A Community-based Boxing Program is Associated with Improved Balance in Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease," International Journal of Exercise Science: Vol. 14 : Iss. 3, Pages 876 - 884.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.70252/BNAX9498
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijes/vol14/iss3/14