"The association 'Un Gancio al Parkinson' helps those living with this disease by proposing the discipline of boxing as physical and psychological support. For president Dr Maurizio Bertoni of the Training Labwho imported this technique from America, 'the association collaborates with the University of Florence and the University of Ohio and has just completed two studies, soon to be published, which show the improvement in the speed of movement of patients through boxing'.
Two other studies are in bridge with Duke University and the Universities of Florence and Ohio to assess patients' movement and visuomotor skills using sophisticated equipment donated by the Rotary Florence.
Collaborations in Chianciano, Rome and Viterbo are planned, given the great demand for an activity whose intensity keeps boredom at bay. A collaboration with the Florentine Calcio Storico, with footballers as instructors, was very successful during the year. This innovative project exploits technical aspects of boxing such as balance, stability, reactivity and hand-eye coordination, which are invaluable for those suffering from this disease.
Physical exercises, ranging from punching the bag to jumping rope, are joined by cognitive exercises based on reaction to visual stimuli. The association's scientific committee, which is made up of two neurologists, has so far focused on Parkinson's disease.
"With the pandemic there has been a significant increase in the number of people enrolled in the courses, which provide two sessions per week in groups of three.""
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