Boxing for Parkinson’s: Fighting Back with Movement

By Ryan Cotton, PT, DHSc and Ziya “Z” Altug, PT, DPT, MS, DipACLM, OCS

Introduction

Non-contact boxing programs designed for individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) began emerging in the mid-2000s (such as Rock Steady Boxing) as community-based exercise options. Growing scientific evidence has supported the role of structured, moderate-to-high intensity exercise for symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

Today, boxing-based exercise is offered in many communities worldwide through rehabilitation centers, fitness facilities, and Parkinson’s-focused programs. These

classes are specifically adapted for safety and are structured to target symptoms

commonly associated with PD.

Core Components of Boxing for Parkinson’s

Boxing programs for Parkinson’s differ from traditional boxing gym classes. They

are typically:

• Non-contact
• Structured and progressive
• Moderate-to-high intensity
• Symptom-focused

Classes are multi-modal and often include:

• Balance training
• Agility and direction-change drills
• Strength training
• Mobility and flexibility work
• Endurance conditioning
• Dual-task and cognitive challenges

Benefits of Boxing for Parkinson’s

Boxing emphasizes large-amplitude movements, quick directional changes, and coordinated footwork. These elements align well with known exercise principles beneficial for PD. 

Potential benefits for PD include:

• Enhancement of motor function
• Improvements in balance
• Gait improvements
• Improved functional mobility
• Reduction in falls risk
• Improved quality of life
• Reduction in non-motor symptoms such as fatigue, depression, anxiety, and social isolation

In addition to physical benefits, group-based boxing programs often foster social engagement and peer support, which can positively influence mood and adherence.

Getting Started

If you are considering a boxing-based exercise program:

• Look for a non-contact boxing class specifically designed for people with Parkinson’s disease.
• Ensure instructors have experience working with neurological populations (e.g., physical therapists, certified trainers with PD training).

Safety Precautions

Before beginning a boxing program:

• Obtain medical clearance from your healthcare provider.
• Undergo an assessment to evaluate balance, mobility, and fall risk.
• Modify activities as needed based on symptom severity.

Helpful Resources

• Rock Steady Boxing

• Neuroboxing

• Undefeated! Boxing for Parkinson’s

Final Thoughts

Boxing-based exercise has become a widely adopted community intervention for people living with Parkinson’s disease. When properly adapted and supervised, it can address motor impairments, support cardiovascular fitness, and enhance psychosocial well-being.

As with any exercise program, individualization and safety are critical. Boxing should be considered part of a comprehensive Parkinson’s management plan that includes medical treatment, rehabilitation, and lifestyle strategies.

References

• Chrysagis N, Trompouki G, Petropaulis D, et al. Effect of boxing exercises on the functional ability and quality of life of individuals with Parkinson's Disease: A systematic review. Eur J Investig Health Psychol Educ. 2024;14(5):1295-1310. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38785583/

• Domingos J, de Lima ALS, Steenbakkers-van der Pol T, Godinho C, Bloem BR, de Vries NM. Boxing with and without kicking techniques for people with Parkinson's Disease: An explorative pilot randomized controlled trial. J Parkinsons Dis. 2022;12(8):2585-2593. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36245387/

• Hermanns M, Mastel-Smith B, Donnell R, Quarles A, Rodriguez M, Wang T. Counterpunching to improve the health of people with Parkinson's disease. J Am Assoc Nurse Pract. 2021;33(12):1230-1239. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33859075/

• Ketigian L, Piniella N, McGivney K, et al. Transition and sustainability of an online care model for people with parkinson's disease in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Front Public Health. 2022;9:772805. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35186865/

• Larson D, Yeh C, Rafferty M, Bega D. High satisfaction and improved quality of life with Rock Steady Boxing in Parkinson's disease: results of a large-scale survey. Disabil Rehabil. 2022;44(20):6034-6041. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34498995/

• Leguizamon M, Trujillo P, Hett K, et al. Cognitive and motor improvements correlated with sleep and activity following community-based non-contact boxing in patients with Parkinson disease. Arch Clin Neuropsychol. 2026;41(2):acaf097. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41165167/

• Moore A, Yee E, Willis BW, Prost EL, Gray AD, Mann JB. A Community-based boxing program is associated with improved balance in individuals with Parkinson's Disease. Int J Exerc Sci. 2021;14(3):876-884. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35096235/

• Patel RA, Blasucci L, Mahajan A. A pilot study of a 12-week community-based boxing program for Parkinson's disease. J Clin Neurosci. 2023;107:64-67. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36512938/

• Regan EW, Burnitz O, Hightower J, Dobner L, Flach A. Rock Steady Boxing: A qualitative evaluation of a community exercise program for people with Parkinson's disease. PLoS One. 2024;19(12):e0309522. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39700094/

• Sonne JWH, Joslyn K, Reus K, Angulo M, Guettler S, Beato MC. A retrospective analysis of group-based boxing exercise on measures of physical mobility in patients with Parkinson disease. Am J Lifestyle Med. 2021;18(4):558-566. Published 2021 Jul 10. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39262882/

• Yusuf NMA, Bekke P, Wehner SK. Can boxing relieve symptoms of Parkinson's disease and improve quality of life? A qualitative study of the experiences of participants attending the Danish Parkinson boxing concept. Disabil Rehabil. 2025;47(2):357-364. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38695285/

Written by Ryan Cotton, PT, DHSc, Rock Steady Boxing President and CEO and Ziya “Z” Altug, PT, DPT, MS, DipACLM, OCS