By: Zack Sapinsley PT, DPT, EMT, MSc, AIB-VRC
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Parkinson’s Disease Affects More Than Just Tremors
When most people think of Parkinson’s disease, they think of tremors. But Parkinson’s affects far more than shaking hands. It impacts movement size, speed, posture, balance, coordination, and even confidence.
What Is Bradykinesia? The Slowing of Movement in Parkinson’s
One of the hallmark motor features of Parkinson’s is bradykinesia, which refers to slower and smaller movements.
Steps become shorter.
Arm swing decreases.
Voice softens.
Reaction time slows.
Over time, these changes can increase fall risk and limit independence.
Why Boxing Is Beneficial for Parkinson’s Disease
So why boxing?
Because boxing demands the opposite.
Boxing requires:
- Big, powerful arm movements
- Quick reactions
- Upright posture
- Rotational strength
- Dynamic balance
- Cognitive engagement
In other words, it trains exactly what Parkinson’s tries to diminish.
Research Supporting Boxing and High-Intensity Exercise for Parkinson’s
Research supports this approach. Studies have shown that high-intensity, amplitude-based exercise improves motor function and mobility in individuals with Parkinson’s disease (Farley & Koshland, 2005; Ebersbach et al., 2010). Forced-intensity and high-effort exercise has also been associated with improvements in motor symptoms and quality of life (Ridgel et al., 2009; Combs et al., 2013).
In fact, a 2013 study on boxing-based training for Parkinson’s demonstrated improvements in balance confidence, mobility, and endurance (Combs et al., PM&R, 2013).
Why Not All Exercise Works the Same for Parkinson’s
The takeaway?
Not all exercise is equal for Parkinson’s. It must be specific, intentional, and sufficiently challenging to drive neurological change.
How Boxing Helps People Fight Back Against Parkinson’s
Punching for Parkinson’s isn’t about fighting an opponent. It’s about fighting back against symptom progression.
It’s about:
- Reclaiming bigger movement
- Practicing quicker reactions
- Building strength and stamina
- Moving with intention
- Feeling powerful again
Punching for Parkinson’s Class in Park Hill
Class Details
Punching for Parkinson’s
Wednesdays from 1:00–2:00 PM
Evolution Physical Therapy – Park Hill
Classes are led by physical therapists and designed to be safe, structured, and appropriately challenging.
How to Join
To learn more or sign up for your first class:
Call: (720) 776-7520
Email: zack@evolution-pt.com
Visit: www.evolutionphysicaltherapy.com
Spots are limited to keep the group small and individualized.
Continue Reading: Part 2 – The Science of Parkinson’s Exercise
In Part 2, we’ll dive deeper into how high-intensity, “big and fast” movements help improve mobility, balance, and brain function in Parkinson’s disease.
View: Why Exercise Is One of the Most Powerful Tools for Parkinson’s Disease
