Patients with Parkinson’s Disease can suffer from debilitating symptoms, such as bradykinesia, dyskinesia, muscle stiffness, and impaired balance. Exercise has been shown to delay symptom progression, which is critical for a patient’s quality of life as current pharmaceutical treatment is less effective over time. Rock Steady Boxing is an organization dedicated to teaching Parkinson’s patients how to box for this very reason. Thus it is important to know how exactly boxing affects Parkinson’s patients and their symptoms, specifically their balance, mobility, and strength, and if attending Rock Steady Boxing results in a significant improvement in Parkinson’s patients’ symptoms.
Kimberly Berg, owner of Rebel Fit Club and manager of 5 Portland Area Rock Steady Boxing programs.
With assistance from Kimberly Berg and Carleton College, research on the effects of Rock Steady Boxing on Parkinson's symptoms began this week.
What does the research entail?
Study participants attend two research sessions, one to serve as a baseline and another three weeks later as a comparison. In the session participants are assessed for balance, mobility, strength, and quality of life by undergoing a modified mini-BEST test, a “Timed Up and Go” test, and completing the PDQ-39 self-assessment.
What happens next?
Participants will continue to attend their Rock Steady Boxing classes as normal. Exercises performed during the class will be noted to determine if the type of exercise is significant. Check back next week for updates on the study's progress. More information on Rock Steady Boxing can be found here: https://rebelfitclub.com/
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