Boxing Art and Christian Nordqvist. "Can Boxing Training Improve Parkinson's Symptoms?."

http://chrismcd-art.blogspot.ca/2010/09/boxing-studies-and-brooks-redux.html

http://www.paintmonkeystudios.com/2011_09_01_archive.html

http://checkhookboxing.com/showthread.php?192-boxing-art-(drawings-caricatures-comic-strips-boxing-posters-covers-etc)/page11

Can Boxing Training Improve Parkinson's Symptoms?

15 Apr 2013


Scott C. Newman was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease at the age of 41, so he began an intensive, high-energy one-on-one boxing training program which he claims dramatically improved his agility, daily functioning and overall physical health.

In 2006, Newman founded Rock Steady Boxing, the only boxing program in the USA aimed at people with Parkinson's disease.

The unique high-intensity boxing program gradually became more popular as word-of-mouth recommendations spread. Newman says there is a program for all stages of Parkinson's - from newly diagnosed patients to people who have been living with the disease for decades. Male and female, young and old individuals can find a program that is suitable for their levels of fitness, age, and severity of symptoms.

Newman and team explain that boxing training offers Parkinson's patients targeted workouts as well as lots of fun. It is also a way of forming friendships with other people who really do understand what it is like to have to live with Parkinson's disease.

Rock Steady has a simple message:

"If you are living with Parkinson's, you are not alone. Our boxers may not win titles or trophies, but they are all champions in the Rock Steady Boxing ring."

Newman's aim is to reach thousands of individuals with Parkinson's throughout the USA who need help with coordination, agility, balance, strength, daily functioning and overall physical health.

The classes (all non-contact) concentrate on overall fitness and include:
calisthenics
core work
double-ended bags
focus mitts
heavy bags
jump rope
ring work
speed bags
circuit weight training

Intensive exercise, focusing on gross motor movement, rhythm, core strength, balance, and hand-eye coordination can help improve flexibility, range of motion, gait, posture, and activities of daily living - all serious issues for patients with Parkinson's disease.

Not only is it good for the heart, the brain, and muscles in the same way it is for healthy people, it also modifies signs and symptoms of Parkinson's disease."

Jay L. Alberts, a neuroscientist at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, and team found that hard and fast cycling on a stationary bike benefits people with Parkinson's disease. They presented their findings at the Radiological Society of North America 2012 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting in Chicago.

Alberts explained that cycling, especially at rates higher than what patients would normally choose for themselves, appeared to make regions of the brain involved in movement connect to each other more effectively.

The boxing training stimulates and exercises the whole body and parts of the brain that improve the patient's hand-eye coordination, flexibility, agility, speed, power, strength, and endurance. Boxing training improves balance while building muscle strength, speed and flexibility.

Boxing training moves the human body in all planes of motion, movements are unpredictable and routines are forever changing as you progress through the workout. It has been proven, Newman says, that his classes help reduce symptoms and improve quality of life and overall health.

With the guidance of their trainers, participants go through real boxing workouts "without the stress of actually competing".

Trainers are not concentrating on fighting but rather preparing for combat


Written by Christian Nordqvist



Rock Steady Boxing Homepage



References:

Rock Steady Boxing

Citations:

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MLA


Christian Nordqvist. "Can Boxing Training Improve Parkinson's Symptoms?." Medical News Today. MediLexicon, Intl., 15 Apr. 2013. Web.

16 Apr. 2013.

APA


Christian Nordqvist. (2013, April 15). "Can Boxing Training Improve Parkinson's Symptoms?." Medical News Today. Retrieved from

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/259099.php.



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