Can Boxing Help Manage Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease?

Keith's Story

Keith reached out to Mike early February of this year, to inquire about the MP

Fitness rehabilitative training program. Keith was determined he would not let his recent

Parkinson’s diagnosis get him down. Parkinson’s disease is neurodegenerative disorder

that affects movement. And their training would focus on motor related symptoms:

tremors, bradykinesia, retropulsion, shuffled gait, and balance deficits. One intervention

in particular, Keith has enjoyed, is boxing.

Boxing has been therapeutic for Keith. Learning the striking techniques has

improved his neuromuscular control and coordination; and, has been a useful tool in

keeping the tremors at bay. They have also incorporated slips, head movement,

pivoting, and footwork which have been tremendous for his balance. Keith will be the

first to tell you he loves the sound of a crisp punch connecting perfectly with the pad. It

has been exciting and motivates him to continue to fight back against Parkinson’s.

About Parkinson's

No one knows what causes this disease. But we do know boxing is successful at

treating symptoms of Parkinson’s. When a sequence is called out, Mike positions the

mitts, and Keith must execute it accordingly. This reeducates his muscles in a way so

they are able to receive impulses from his brain. It also improves his ability to discern

balance disruptions and keep him safe.

Another common symptom of Parkinson’s is retropulsion. This is when a person

is unable to shift his or her weight forward sufficiently. Upon standing, he or she often

falls backwards. If you know someone who does this, a great cue you can provide to

him or her is “nose over toes.” Encourage him or her to lean forward all the way when

transferring from a seated to standing position — thus positioning the nose over the

toes. Also encourage him or her to push up from the seated surface with his or her

hands. Do not have he or she pull up from a walker or any other assisted device.

About the Author

Michael Ponziani started MP Fitness in 2020 during the pandemic and the

Marion Fitness Club became his base of operations. Michael started working out about

15 years ago. He loved the feeling of the pump and the rush of endorphins that came

with it. While he enjoyed the benefits to his mental and physical health from working out,

he saw an opportunity to help others as well. So in 2016 he became a certified Personal

Trainer, and in 2018 he graduated from North Central State college with an associate

degree in applied science and a license from the state of Ohio to practice physical

therapy.

Please visit ponzifit.com for more rehabilitation tips.