Rock Steady Boxing: Empowering Parkinson’s Patients Through the Power of Movement
By Tiffani S. Bacon, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist, South Carolina
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. While there is no cure for Parkinson’s, various therapeutic approaches have shown promising results in improving the quality of life for patients.
Parkinson’s disease is characterized by the degeneration of certain neurons in the brain, leading to a shortage of dopamine—a chemical responsible for transmitting signals that control movement. This deficit causes a range of symptoms including tremors, rigidity, slowness of movement, and postural instability.
Additionally, individuals with Parkinson’s often experience diminished balance, coordination, and flexibility, as well as cognitive and emotional challenges. It is crucial to address these physical and psychological symptoms comprehensively.
Rock Steady Boxing (RSB) has emerged as an effective and empowering method of combating the physical and emotional challenges faced by individuals with Parkinson’s. In this article, we will explore how Rock Steady Boxing harnesses the power of movement to enhance strength, agility, and overall well-being for those living with Parkinson’s disease.
What is Rock Steady Boxing?
Rock Steady Boxing classes are “PD-specific,” involving multi-modal exercises that address both fine and large motor impairments of PD (aerobic, strength training, core stability training, balance, and flexibility exercises). These classes also encourage loud vocalizations to improve participants’ speech. Although participants can enjoy the benefits of RSB from the comforts of their home, they are also urged to partake in group exercise sessions. RSB reportedly helps foster socialization and empowerment with partner and team exercises that promote inter-partner encouragement (Larson et al., 2022).
Rock Steady Boxing is a non-contact fitness program specifically designed for people with Parkinson’s disease. The program focuses on agility, balance, and speed training. It combines boxing-inspired exercises, circuit training, and functional movements to help patients improve their physical capabilities. The program focuses on four main principles:
- Motivation
- Forced intense exercise
- Neuroplasticity
- Community
RSB participants can choose the number of classes they participate in per week and how long they participate in the program, with the cost of attending RSB classes varying per site. The RSB program is growing rapidly and broadly. Currently, there are estimated to be 43,500 participants at approximately 900 RSB sites internationally.
By promoting motivation, participants are encouraged to push their limits and take control of their condition. Forced intense exercise involves high-intensity training, which has shown potential benefits for neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to reorganize itself and form new connections. Lastly, the community aspect of Rock Steady Boxing creates a supportive environment where individuals with Parkinson’s can connect with others facing similar challenges.
Benefits of Rock Steady Boxing for Parkinson’s Patients
Rock Steady Boxing offers a multitude of benefits for those with Parkinson’s disease. Moreover, the intense physical workouts combat the motor symptoms associated with the Parkinson’s and help improve:
- Balance,
- Coordination
- Flexibility
By focusing on agility, strength, and endurance, participants can enhance their overall physical fitness. The program’s emphasis on neuroplasticity can potentially slow down the progression of Parkinson’s disease, as the brain adapts and forms new neural pathways (Morris et al., 2019).
Alongside the physical benefits, Rock Steady Boxing has a positive impact on mental well-being. The release of endorphins during exercise promotes mood elevation, reduces anxiety and depression, and enhances cognitive function. The supportive community aspect of Rock Steady Boxing fosters social connections, reduces isolation, and boosts self-confidence, empowering individuals to face their challenges head-on.
Moreover, there are specific potential benefits of Rock Steady Boxing for patients with Parkinson’s disease:
- Increasing patients’ postural stability, overall translating to increased independence with more functional tasks
- Rhythmic cueing in the clinic and mental cueing in the community, have helped improve walking mechanics, static and dynamic balance, agility, walking speed, and cadence.
- Feeling more confident navigating in the community with the use of a rollator walker and can ambulate for longer distances
- Less anxious and feels that he is better able to manage his condition.
RSB Success Stories and Research
Numerous success stories from individuals participating in Rock Steady Boxing have demonstrated the program’s effectiveness. Notable improvements include increased mobility, reduced fall risk, enhanced quality of life, and a sense of empowerment among participants.
Furthermore, research studies have supported the positive impact of boxing-based exercise on Parkinson’s disease. Studies indicate that boxing training can lead to improvements in gait, balance, and activities of daily living. Moreover, researchers have observed changes in brain function and structure, suggesting neuroprotective effects. These findings provide promising evidence for the potential of Rock Steady Boxing as a complementary therapy for Parkinson’s.
Special Considerations for RSB
Although RSB is a specific, non-contact boxing program for PD that is growing and increasing in popularity, there is limited data on its effect on PD symptoms and quality of life.
Nonetheless, in a recent systematic review, the authors concluded that while boxing may be helpful for people living with Parkinson’s disease, its benefits, precautions, contraindications, and limitations have yet to be conclusively verified. Additionally, this study affirms that “contraindications and precautions need documentation, as well as guidelines for trainers and therapists about how to modify boxing exercises according to co-morbidities, fitness, and the locus of the PD medication cycle.”
In other words, a continuum of care needs to be provided by healthcare professionals to prescribe optimal boxing exercise programs based on disease progression. The article, however, goes on to state that boxing, as provided by RSB programs, generally does deliver a needed sense of community, and provides an engaged, social form of rigorous, sustainable activity to participants.
How Can Clinicians Become Certified RSB Trainers?
The fifty- to ninety-minute classes are taught by “RSB Coaches,” like physical therapists, exercise physiologists, and/or personal trainers, and are instructed online or at RSB headquarters.
Interested occupational and speech therapists can also be trainers too! Based on opportunities reported on Rock Steady Boxing’s website, the following training options are available for those with a medical professional license, NCCA-certified fitness professional or equivalent, or a degree in an exercise science-related field of study:
1. Rock Steady Clinician Training Camp (Three-Year Certification Length)
Provides licensed therapy and rehabilitation professionals with the necessary skills needed to deliver 1:1 RSB method training, in a clinical setting. The clinician would ideally operate in conjunction with their local RSB gym to adhere to best practices. Training is delivered in a combined online/in-person format and involves an 8-hour online course, as well as an in-person skills lab.
2. Head Coach Training (Two-Year Certification Length)
This form of online (10 hours) or in-person skills camp (2 days) training prepares fitness and medical professionals to deliver RSB in a group fitness setting. Partnering with a local gymnasium would be helpful. Moreover, this individual would be responsible for both leading classes and ensuring the competency of all the other coaches at the given location(s).
3. Coach Training Camp (Two-Year Certification Length)
This form of training also prepares individuals to independently deliver Rock Steady Boxing in a group setting. Coaches are required to complete the online training and attain the necessary skills and competencies through the affiliate’s head coach.
There are also assistant coach and volunteer training camp opportunities. For full details on training options, please click here, or go right to Rock Steady Boxing’s website.
Consider Rock Steady Boxing for Your Treatment
Rock Steady Boxing has emerged as an innovative and empowering approach to help individuals with Parkinson’s disease combat the challenges posed by the condition. By combining physical exercise, motivation, and community support, this program offers numerous benefits, including improved physical fitness, enhanced motor skills, increased neuroplasticity, and better overall well-being.
The success stories and research findings highlight the positive impact of Rock Steady Boxing on individuals with Parkinson’s. While it is not a cure, this therapeutic approach provides a holistic and empowering way to manage symptoms, improve quality of life, and foster a sense of community among those living with Parkinson’s disease. As we continue to explore innovative therapies, Rock Steady Boxing stands out as a shining example of how the power of movement can positively transform the lives of individuals with Parkinson’s.