Rock Steady Boxing for Parkinson's Disease

Overseen By Tatiana Godoy Bobbio, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences

Disqualifiers: Pregnancy, Exercise limitations, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Approved in 3 Jurisdictions This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 6

Duration: 12 months

150 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests whether a special type of boxing class, called Rock Steady Boxing, can help people with Parkinson's Disease improve movement, endurance, and overall well-being. The class includes exercises for warming up, improving movement, building strength, and practicing non-contact boxing. It targets individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's who can perform the exercises and maintain a weekly exercise log. Participants will also assess if this community class can integrate into physical therapy programs. As an unphased trial, it provides a unique opportunity to explore innovative exercise methods that could enhance quality of life.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What prior data suggests that the Rock Steady Boxing class is safe for individuals with Parkinson's Disease?

Research shows that Rock Steady Boxing is generally safe for people with Parkinson's Disease. Studies have found that participants in these boxing classes often experience better balance and an improved quality of life. This exercise involves non-contact boxing, meaning there is no physical hitting. Participants engage in activities like warm-ups, mobility exercises, and strength training, which are usually well-tolerated.

The largest analysis of Rock Steady Boxing reported that it not only helps with physical symptoms but also boosts mood and improves non-motor symptoms in people with Parkinson's. This indicates that the classes are effective and conducted safely. While all exercise programs carry some risk, evidence supports that Rock Steady Boxing is a safe option for managing Parkinson's symptoms. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Rock Steady Boxing is unique because it offers a non-traditional approach to managing Parkinson's Disease through physical exercise rather than medication or surgery. Unlike typical treatments that focus on medication to manage symptoms, this method involves active participation in a structured boxing class that targets physical fitness and functional mobility. Researchers are excited about this treatment because it emphasizes whole-body strengthening and coordination through non-contact boxing exercises, which may improve balance, agility, and overall quality of life for people with Parkinson's. Additionally, the social and engaging nature of the classes could offer psychological benefits, such as reducing depression and improving mood, which are often overlooked in conventional treatments.

What evidence suggests that the Rock Steady Boxing class is effective for Parkinson's Disease?

Research shows that Rock Steady Boxing, which participants in this trial will engage in, can greatly benefit people with Parkinson's Disease. Studies have found that participants often experience improved quality of life, with reduced fatigue and fear of falling. Many also notice better movement, scoring higher on mobility tests than the average person with Parkinson's. Additionally, most participants enjoy a more active social life and feel less depressed and anxious. These benefits suggest that Rock Steady Boxing might enhance overall well-being and daily life for those with Parkinson's. ^{1 4 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Miguel Garcia, EdD

Principal Investigator

University of St Augustine for Health Science

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for men and women aged 18 or older with Parkinson's Disease stages I-IV. Participants must have medical clearance, be able to complete assessments, and willing to log weekly exercises. It excludes those who can't do the assessments, are pregnant or may become pregnant, or have limitations that prevent exercise participation.

Inclusion Criteria

Medical clearance from a referring medical doctor

Willing to complete a weekly exercise log

My Parkinson's Disease is between stages I and IV.

Exclusion Criteria

I am unable to complete health assessments.

Pregnant or is expected to become pregnant during study

Other reasons that may limit participation in exercises.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Participants attend Rock Steady Boxing classes twice a week, focusing on functional mobility, whole body strengthening, and non-contact boxing exercises

12 months

2 visits per week (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in functional mobility, balance, and quality of life through various assessments

12 months

Assessments at baseline, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Rock Steady Boxing Class

Trial Overview The study tests a Rock Steady Boxing class for people with Parkinson's Disease in a community setting. It aims to see how this boxing program affects their mobility, endurance, heart health, reaction times, life quality, mood and fear of falling.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Rock Steady Boxing classes Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The Rock Steady Boxing classes are 60-90 minutes in duration twice a week and include the following 4 components: (1) active warm up (2) functional mobility exercises (3) whole body strengthening exercises and (4) non-contact boxing exercises.

Rock Steady Boxing Class is already approved in United States, Canada, European Union for the following indications:

Approved in United States as Rock Steady Boxing for:

• Parkinson's Disease
• Atypical Parkinsonian disorders including Multisystem Atrophy, Dementia with Lewy Bodies, Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, and Corticobasilar Degeneration

Approved in Canada as Rock Steady Boxing for:

• Parkinson's Disease
• Atypical Parkinsonian disorders including Multisystem Atrophy, Dementia with Lewy Bodies, Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, and Corticobasilar Degeneration

Approved in European Union as Rock Steady Boxing for:

• Parkinson's Disease
• Atypical Parkinsonian disorders including Multisystem Atrophy, Dementia with Lewy Bodies, Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, and Corticobasilar Degeneration

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences

Lead Sponsor

Trials

8

Recruited

450+

Published Research Related to This Trial

In a study of 31 adults with Parkinson's disease, boxing training led to significant improvements in gait velocity and endurance over 12 weeks, while traditional exercise resulted in greater gains in balance confidence.

Both boxing and traditional exercise groups showed significant improvements in balance, mobility, and quality of life, highlighting the effectiveness of group exercise for enhancing overall function in individuals with Parkinson's disease.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Community-based group exercise for persons with Parkinson disease: a randomized controlled trial. Combs, SA., Diehl, MD., Chrzastowski, C., et al.[2022]

A case series involving six patients with Parkinson's disease showed that a boxing training program led to significant improvements in balance, mobility, and quality of life after 12 weeks, with continued benefits observed at 24 and 36 weeks.

The program was found to be safe and feasible, with patients experiencing greater improvements earlier if they had mild Parkinson's disease, while those with moderate to severe disease required longer training to achieve similar benefits.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Boxing training for patients with Parkinson disease: a case series. Combs, SA., Diehl, MD., Staples, WH., et al.[2022]

In a 20-week study involving 40 participants with Parkinson's disease, sensory exercise showed significant and lasting improvements in motor symptoms compared to boxing, as assessed by the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale.

The benefits of sensory exercise persisted even after the 10-week intervention period, indicating that this type of exercise may provide more enduring effects on motor symptoms than boxing.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Boxing vs Sensory Exercise for Parkinson's Disease: A Double-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial. Sangarapillai, K., Norman, BM., Almeida, QJ.[2022]

The FIGHT-PD study demonstrated that a 15-week boxing training program for 10 participants with early-stage Parkinson's disease was highly feasible, with a 97.7% adherence rate and no withdrawals, indicating strong participant engagement and safety.

Nine out of ten participants showed improvement in their motor scores on the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS-III), suggesting that boxing training may be an effective intervention for enhancing motor function in individuals with Parkinson's disease.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

FIGHT-PD: A feasibility study of periodized boxing training for Parkinson disease. Blacker, DJ., Fazio, R., Tucak, C., et al.[2023]

A 12-week boxing program called Rock Steady Boxing (RSB) showed significant improvements in balance, quality of life, and reduced depressive symptoms in individuals with Parkinson's disease, based on assessments from both boxers and their caregivers.

Participants reported enhanced ability to perform daily activities and a reduction in stigma associated with their condition, highlighting the program's positive impact on both physical and mental health.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Counterpunching to improve the health of people with Parkinson's disease. Hermanns, M., Mastel-Smith, B., Donnell, R., et al.[2021]

Boxing exercises for people with Parkinson's disease (PD) showed potential benefits, including improved balance, mobility, and quality of life, based on two studies with 37 participants over 12 weeks, although the evidence is limited due to the small sample size.

Despite the growing popularity of boxing as an intervention for PD, the overall quality of supporting evidence is low, with many websites lacking verifiable data and safety guidelines, highlighting the need for more rigorous research and professional training for effective implementation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Boxing for Parkinson's Disease: Has Implementation Accelerated Beyond Current Evidence? Morris, ME., Ellis, TD., Jazayeri, D., et al.[2020]

Recent high-level studies indicate that targeted physical training, including strength and endurance exercises, can significantly improve mobility and balance in Parkinson's disease patients.

Speech therapy, particularly the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment, has been effective in addressing speech issues in Parkinson's patients, but further research is needed to confirm the benefits of other therapies like occupational and swallowing therapy.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Physical, occupational, speech and swallowing therapies and physical exercise in Parkinson's disease. Ransmayr, G.[2022]

Citations

1. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34498995/

High satisfaction and improved quality of life with Rock ... RSB participants report improvement in non-motor impairments and have significantly better HRQL and ESE compared to never-participants.

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11658574/

Rock Steady Boxing: A qualitative evaluation of a ... Most participants (7/10) had good mobility with Timed Up and Go scores below the 14.8 second average for community dwelling pwPD (7/10) and ...

3. foxrehab.org foxrehab.org/parkinsons-disease-symptom-management-rock-steady-boxing/

Rock Steady Boxing: Empowering Parkinson's Patients ... Numerous success stories from individuals participating in Rock Steady Boxing have demonstrated the program's effectiveness. Notable ...

4. rocksteadyboxing.org rocksteadyboxing.org/research/

Research (2021): High satisfaction and improved quality of life with Rock Steady Boxing in Parkinson's disease. Significant improvement in quality of life scores and non ...

5. tandfonline.com tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09638288.2021.1963854

High satisfaction and improved quality of life with Rock ... The majority of current participants reported that RSB improved their social life (70%), fatigue (63%), fear of falling (62%), depression (60%), and anxiety (59 ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8758155/

A Community-based Boxing Program is Associated with ... This study found that participation in a CBP was associated with improved balance among clients with PD. Keywords: Boxing training, community exercise, Rock ...

7. neurology.org neurology.org/doi/10.1212/WNL.94.15_supplement.1210

Rock Steady Boxing (RSB) participants with Parkinson's ... Conclusions: This is the largest analysis of RSB use in PD, and demonstrates that RSB participants have improvement in non-motor symptoms of PD, ...

8. powellwellnesscenter.org powellwellnesscenter.org/rock-steady-boxing/

Rock Steady Boxing at PWC - Culpeper Rock Steady Boxing at Powell Wellness Center improves the ability of individuals with Parkinson's disease to manage quality of life.