Research that is emerging in the use of boxing in patients with Parkinson’s disease is exciting and could potentially transfer to the study of dance therapy. Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects motor function. Symptoms include tremors, loss of facial affect, balance disturbance, shuffling gait and postural instability. Though pharmaceuticals have been shown to slow the progression there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease. Recent studies have shown that non-contact boxing can be used to complement treatment. Programs like Rock Steady Boxing, developed specifically for people with Parkinson’s, are now widely used to improve mobility and quality of life. We believe that research done on boxing will translate to the use of dance therapy in Parkinson’s.

One of the most significant benefits of boxing for Parkinson’s patients is its impact on motor function. The sport combines elements of aerobic conditioning, coordination, and balance training, which are essential for countering the physical symptoms of Parkinson’s. A study published in Physical Therapy (Combs et al., 2011) found that participants in a boxing training program showed improvements in balance, gait, and overall mobility. Regular participation can also enhance proprioception and reaction time, which are often impaired in Parkinson’s patients, thereby reducing fall risk.

Boxing is also beneficial for cognitive function, which can be affected by Parkinson’s. The sport requires mental focus, sequencing, and memory to execute combinations and footwork patterns, creating a kind of cognitive workout. A 2020 study in the journal NeuroRehabilitation noted improvements in executive function and dual-task performance in Parkinson’s patients who participated in boxing-based exercise programs. This mental engagement, combined with physical movement, may stimulate neuroplasticity: the brain’s ability to reorganize and form new neural connections.

In addition to physical and cognitive benefits, boxing provides psychological and social support that is crucial for managing Parkinson’s. Depression and anxiety are common non-motor symptoms of the disease. Group boxing classes foster a sense of community and empowerment, helping participants feel less isolated and more motivated. According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, exercise programs that are challenging, social, and goal-oriented like boxing are more likely to improve mood and boost long-term adherence.

Overall, boxing offers a holistic and engaging approach to Parkinson’s management that complements traditional therapies. While it may not slow disease progression, it can significantly enhance functional independence, confidence, and quality of life. With proper guidance, boxing can be a safe, effective, and even enjoyable way to fight back against the disease. We believe that the motor, cognitive and psychological benefits seen with boxing in Parkinson’s disease would also translate to dance therapy. We would like to see research that shows dance has similar benefits because. We believe this is especially important for patients who are not interested in boxing. 

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Combs, S. A., Diehl, M. D., Chrzastowski, C., et al. (2011). Boxing training for patients with Parkinson disease: A case series. Physical Therapy, 91(1), 132-142.
Flach, A., Jaegers, L., Krijnen, W., et al. (2020). Effects of boxing training on motor and non-motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease: A randomized controlled pilot study. NeuroRehabilitation, 46(3), 455–463.
Parkinson’s Foundation. (n.d.). Exercise and Parkinson’s