The benefits of non-contact boxing for Parkinson’s

Non-contact boxing, also known as Neuroboxing, offers numerous benefits for people living with Parkinson’s. Non-contact boxing is a safe and enjoyable way to incorporate high-intensity exercise into your routine, promoting physical and mental wellbeing. It has also been found to improve gait, mobility, agility and overall quality of life (1). Participants have reported benefits such as increased energy, improved mood, and better physical health.

What is involved in non-contact boxing?

These programs often include activities such as:

  • Non-contact boxing drills: To improve coordination and strength.
  • Balance and flexibility exercises: To help with stability and mobility.
  • Cardiovascular workouts: To boost overall fitness and energy levels.
  • Dual-tasking exercises: To enhance cognitive function and multitasking abilities.

Why should I box for PD?

  1. Improved motor function: Boxing involves a wide range of movements that target different muscle groups, improving strength, flexibility, and coordination. High-intensity exercises like boxing can help individuals overcome movement difficulties and enhance overall motor skills. A study by the Perron Institute and Edith Cowan University developed a high-intensity exercise program using non-contact boxing for people with early-stage Parkinson’s disease (2, 3). The program included balance and movement drills, high-intensity aerobic bursts, and sequences of punches. Participants showed improvements in fatigue levels, sleep quality, and a commonly used score of Parkinson’s severity.
  2. Enhanced balance and stability: Boxing requires precise footwork and balance, which can help improve stability and prevent falls. The dynamic movements involved in boxing promote the activation of postural muscles, leading to better balance control (4).
  3. Increased cardiovascular fitness: Boxing exercises elevate heart rate and stimulate cardiovascular endurance, enhancing overall health and reducing the risk of co-morbidities associated with Parkinson’s disease.
  4. Cognitive benefits: Boxing training involves a combination of physical and mental challenges, requiring individuals to think strategically and react quickly. Cognitive functions, such as attention, memory, and problem-solving, can be significantly improved through regular boxing exercises.
  5. Social interaction: Participating in group boxing classes provides an opportunity for social interaction, helping to combat social isolation and depression.

Where can I box for PD?

To find local programs and classes in Australia, you can see if one of these programs is available online or near you or speak with your accredited exercise physiologist about designing a program for you:

If you are a trainer or EP and want to get trained to coach people with Parkinson’s in boxing see programs like Boxing CS3 at acexercise.com.au

Reproduced from the Parkinson’s Australia Boxing page

 

References:

(1) Lowery, B., Flewwellin, J., & Terrell, S. L. (2023). Can Boxing Deliver a Knockout Punch against Parkinson’s Disease? A Review of the Evidence. ACSM’s Health & Fitness Journal, 27(4), 11-18.

(2) Blacker, D. J., Cruickshank, T., Turner, M., Tucak, C., & Fazio, R. (2021). 061 Feasibility of instituting graduated high intensity training for parkinson disease (FIGHT-PD); a non-contact boxing exercise study.

(3) Blacker, D. J., Fazio, R., Tucak, C., Beranek, P., Pollard, C., Shelley, T., Rajandran, S., Holbeche, G., Turner, M., & Cruickshank, T. (2024). FIGHT-PD: A feasibility study of periodized boxing training for Parkinson disease. PM & R : the journal of injury, function, and rehabilitation, 16(1), 36–46. https://doi.org/10.1002/pmrj.12986

(4) Moore, A., Yee, E., Willis, B. W., Prost, E. L., Gray, A. D., & Mann, J. B. (2021). A community-based boxing program is associated with improved balance in individuals with Parkinson’s disease. International journal of exercise science, 14(3), 876.

n.b. Parkinson’s Australia is not recommending or endorsing any particular programs and you should seek expert advice before starting any new exercise programs.

Share

Other articles

  • EXERCISE | Dance for Parkinson’s

    The evidence supports the use of dance as a therapeutic intervention for Parkinson's, offering both physical and emotional benefits. Research on dance and Parkinson's has shown promising results in improving both physical and cognitive functions for people with the condition.

  • CARERS | Legal, workplace & financial supports

    Caring for someone with Parkinson’s can be both rewarding and challenging. Accessing the right legal and financial support is essential to ensure carers can navigate the health system and plan for the future effectively.

  • SLEEP | Sleep matters

    Sleep is not just rest—it’s repair. When sleep is disrupted, memory, mood, and even motor function decline faster. That’s why understanding and addressing sleep issues are critical for improving the quality of life in Parkinson’s.