Pugilistic Dementia is a term that refers to the brain impairments caused by the sport of boxing. Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive neurological disorder of the brain and is said to affect 1 million people in the United States. Parkinson’s is often characterized by shaking tremors throughout the body, impaired gait, poor balance, impaired speech and other associated difficulties.
One doesn’t have to go further than Muhammad Ali for an example of the best of boxing and the debilitation of Parkinson’s disease.
Recently, I learned of a relatively new form of exercise that uses boxing in the fight against Parkinson’s. My initial naive thought was, “Do people involved in this program have rocks in their head? Don’t they know that a sport with the object of damaging your opponent’s brain would add to, not remediate the symptoms of Parkinson's disease?”
However, information from our local Sports Club of Novi, which conducts Rock Steady Boxing classes specifically for people with Parkinson’s disease, set me straight. You see, they do so in a non-contact way, without striking each other. There are also Rock Steady affiliates in Beverly Hills and Troy and at 50 other sites around the country.
Boxing exercises
The exercises of boxing seem well-suited for targeting symptoms of Parkinson’s. Stretching out helps with stiffness, footwork is used for balance and agility, the forced intensity of punching with a large glove can steady tremors, sparring is for coordination and counting, shouting and singing is used for the so-called “short voice syndrome” associated with changes in speech.
The program uses speed bags, heavy bags, medicine balls, even pool noodles — all sorts of equipment — to help fight the many symptoms of Parkinson’s. The participants also “spar” with the certified coaches to work on strength, focus, footwork, power, agility and so much more. The coaches use “mitts” to give the participants a focus point and, at the same time, encouragement.
The website for Rock Steady Boxing headquarters has a marvelous video interview between Lesley Stahl of CBS News and her husband, Aaron Latham. Aaron has Parkinson’s disease. On the video, Aaron speaks for other participants who acknowledge improvements in both the physical conditioning and their emotional and mental abilities as a result of this program. They've regained control over the body, an achievement that alleviates depression. The camaraderie of the group, cheering each other on, alleviates the sense of loneliness and isolation often seen in individuals with a neurological disorder. Participants in Rock Steady can range in age from 45-95.
Research
The program, started in 2006, evolved from research conducted at the University of Indianapolis. Studies comparing participants with Parkinson’s who are involved in boxing versus those without the activity seemed to show patterns of improvements in various areas of medical and mental health. There is some suggestion that forced intense exercise may generate renewed growth of brain cells that are neuroprotective and can actually slow the progression of Parkinson’s. In some cases, great improvement may occur. Unfortunately, there is no cure. As the “boxers” at Sports Club of Novi Rock Steady Boxing program show, there is a change in perception of being the victim of such a devastating disease to someone who is “fighting back," "clobbering" and "fighting for" some renewed control against the losses which are the Parkinson’s experience.
For more information, visit www.rocksteadyboxing.org or call Suzanne Schulz, certified personal trainer and Rock Steady Boxing coach at 248-735-8850, ext. 217 or email fitnesscoachsuz@gmail.com.
L.J. McCulloch is a diplomate of the American Psychotherapy Association and holds credentials in mental health, addictions, trauma, social work, and brain injuries. His monthly column, “Our Mental Health,” is archived at the Farmington Library. McCulloch is available for a courtesy consultation at 248-474-2763 ext. 222.
http://www.hometownlife.com/story/life/2016/10/25/parkinsons-patients-fight-symptoms-boxing/92708124/
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