Rock Steady Parkinson's Boxing

ROCK STEADY PARKINSON'S BOXING CLASSES

Non-contact boxing inspired classes can reverse, reduce, and even delay the symptoms of PD

We are learning every day that there are ways in which people with Parkinson’s disease can enhance their quality of life and even build strength, flexibility, and speed! By exercising with coaches who know the ropes, you can fight your way out of the corner and start to feel and function better.

These classes have proven that anyone, at any level of Parkinson’s, can actually lessen their symptoms and lead a healthier and happier life.

ROCK STEADY PARKINSON'S BOXING CLASS FAQ

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HOW MUCH DOES THIS PROGRAM COST? +

Rock Steady Parkinson's Boxing Classes are provided to Kingsport YMCA members at no additional cost to their memberships. The program is also provided at no cost to members of the community.

WHEN ARE CLASSES? +

Rock Steady Parkinson's Boxing Classes are held on Monday's from 12:00p - 1:00p at the Kingsport Family YMCA.

IS EQUIPMENT PROVIDED FOR PARTICIPANTS +

Participants of this class will need to purchase boxing gloves and boxing gel wraps. These items can be purchased through the YMCA for around $30-$45.

Additional class equipment is provided to participants.

HOW CAN I SIGN UP FOR THIS CLASS? +

If you are interested in participating in Rock Steady Parkinson's Boxing Class please contact:

Amanda Hensley

[email protected]

423.765.9731

IS AN ASSESMENT REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE? +

Before participants are able to take the class, you will need to complete an assessment of their current physical condition.

**Participants are required to have a cornerman present during the entirety of the class. Cornermen must be 18 years or older and must be able to assist participants during the class if necessary.

Assessment tests could include:

30 Second Chair Test
Berg Balance Scale
Fullerton Advanced Balance Test
Sit-to-Stand Test
Timed Up & Go Test

These tests provide participants and instructors with a starting point for the program and participants will be re-evaluated at a later date to assess progress and improvement in key areas.

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Rock Steady Parkinson Boxing Class Results

Various studies in the 1980s and 1990s supported the notion that rigorous exercise, emphasizing gross motor movement, balance, core strength, and rhythm, could favorably impact range of motion, flexibility, posture, gait, and activities of daily living. More recent studies, most notably at Cleveland Clinic, focus on the concept of intense “forced” exercise, and have begun to suggest that certain kinds of exercise may be neuro-protective, i.e., actually slowing disease progression.

The following research studies listed below provide early validation of the effects of forced or intense exercise. The study conducted by Dr. Stephanie Combs-Miller and colleagues from the University of Indianapolis specifically studied participants in the RSB program.

Combs, Stephanie A., Diehl, M. Dyer, Staples, William H., Conn, Lindsay, Davis, Kendra, Lewis, Nicole, Schaneman, Katie. Boxing Training for Patients With Parkinson’s Disease: A Case Series. Physical Therapy, Vol. 91 – No. 1, pp.1-11, January 2011. This is an observational study of Rock Steady Boxing training in six participants. After 12 weeks of training there were measurable improvements in gait, balance, and quality of life. Participants with milder Parkinson’s improved sooner than patients with move severe Parkinson’s symptoms.

Hirsch, M. A., Farley, B.G. Exercise and neuroplasticity in persons living with Parkinson’s disease. European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation, Vol.45 – No. 2, pp.215-228, June 2009.

Ahlskog, Ph.D. M.D. J. Eric. Does vigorous exercise have a neuroprotective effect in Parkinson disease? American Academy of Neurology, Neurology 2011, pp 288-294, July 27, 2011. Two excellent reviews of the of the human and animal research which shows the impact of exercise on brain function in PD. Both reviews focus on the importance of vigorous or high intensity exercise for Parkinson’s disease.

Ridgel, Angela L., Vitek, Jerrold L., Alberts, Jay L. Forced, Not Voluntary, Exercise Improves Motor Function in Parkinson’s Disease Patients. Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair, vol. 23 – No. 6, pp 600-608, July/August, 2009. Tandem bicycle study in which subjects either rode at their chosen rate, or rode a rate higher than their chosen rate. Tension was adjusted and oxygen consumption measured so that both groups expended the same amount of energy. However, the group that rode at the higher rate had greater improvements in PD symptoms.

A study completed by the University of Indianapolis, “A Longitudinal Analysis of Impairment, Activities and Participation in Persons with Parkinson’s Disease” led by Dr. Stephanie Combs-Miller will be released soon. This is a 2 year study that is followed 88 people with Parkinson’s and studied their exercise habits and how that affects their symptoms. While the print version of this study is not yet released, Dr. Combs-Miller’s video presentation on her study can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4Lj6sGMb-I