The study appeared in the journal Physical Therapy and followed a group of Parkinson's patients who underwent a twelve-week period of boxing training.
They were compared with a group that did not engage in physical activity.
Various tests coded for Parkinson's were performed prior to the start of the training programme. The protocol included warm-up exercises, push-ups, jumping jacks, then work with the trainer to exchange blows, heavy bag and pear blows.
At the end of the period, the tests were repeated and showed improvement in the trained subjects compared to the control group.
Patients showed improvement in balance, stability, walking, hand-eye coordination, and generally in the quality of daily life.
The improvement was maintained for six months after the end of the training.
It is therefore confirmed that exercise is neuroprotective and boxing adds a playful/competitive character to motor activity that certainly helps the patient emotionally.
Source: Stephanie A. Combs et All. - Physical Therapy - Vol. 91, Number 1
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