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Completed

NCT Number: NCT01014663

Non-contact Boxing Training and Traditional Therapeutic Exercise for Persons With Parkinson's Disease

The primary purpose of this study is to compare the effects of a non-traditional boxing training program to a traditional therapeutic exercise program on activity and participation outcomes in persons with Parkinson's disease. Thirty participants will be randomly assigned to participate in either non-contact boxing training or traditional therapeutic exercise for 36 sessions over 12 weeks. Participants will be measured immediately before (pre-test) and after (post-test) the intervention.

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Key information

Conditions

Parkinson's Disease Basal Ganglia Diseases Behavior Brain Diseases Central Nervous System Diseases Motor Activity Movement Disorders Nervous System Diseases Neurodegenerative Diseases Parkinson Disease Parkinsonian Disorders Synucleinopathies

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

University of Indianapolis, Krannert School of Physical Therapy

Indianapolis, Indiana, 46227, United States

About this study

Physical therapists commonly treat patients with Parkinson's disease. Typical clinical interventions used by physical therapists including strengthening, stretching and aerobic training have been shown to improve function and quality of life of persons with Parkinson's disease. Alternative exercise interventions that incorporate non-traditional concepts, such as tango dance, tai chi and taiji have also been found to lead to improvements in function in persons with Parkinson's disease. It is important that comparisons between different types of exercise programs for persons with Parkinson's disease be explored in order to determine effective options for care.

Here in Indianapolis, Indiana, individuals with Parkinson's disease have a unique opportunity for alternative exercise with the recent development of the popular non-contact boxing training program offered by the Rock Steady Boxing Foundation. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to compare the effects of the non-traditional boxing training program to a traditional therapeutic exercise program on activity and participation outcomes in persons with Parkinson's disease.

Thirty participants with Parkinson's disease will be recruited from Central Indiana. All potential participants will be screened to determine eligibility for the study. Participants who are eligible and give consent will be randomly assigned to participate in either the non-contact boxing training or the traditional therapeutic exercise program for 36 sessions lasting over 12 weeks with 60-90 minutes of exercise each session. Participants will be measured immediately before (pre-test) and after (post-test) the intervention period.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • diagnosis of Parkinson's disease
  • currently not receiving physical therapy services
  • medically stable with a physician release stating approval to enter an exercise program
  • independently ambulatory in the home setting with or without the use of an assistive device
  • able to follow at least three step verbal commands
  • available for the entire period of the study
  • have transportation to and from training and measurement sessions

Exclusion criteria

  • preexisting neurological conditions other than Parkinson's disease
  • current musculoskeletal conditions that would limit participation in either training program
  • significant orthopedic surgery within the past six months
  • past brain surgery or brain stimulator implant
  • currently known pregnant
  • pre-existing cardiovascular conditioner that would prohibit participation in an exercise program

Treatment and study plan

Traditional Therapeutic Exercise

Behavioral

The therapeutic exercise program will consist of warm-up and stretching, seated and standing range of motion activities, endurance and resistance training, balance training and a cool down. Training will take place for 36 sessions, three times/week for 60-90 minutes per session.

Non-Contact Boxing Training

Behavioral

Non-contact boxing training will consist of warm-up and stretching, non-contact boxing training (including punching a focus mitt, speed and heavy punching bags), endurance training activities, strength and resistance training, and a cool down. Training will take place for 36 sessions, three times/week for 60-90 minutes per session.

Primary outcomes

  1. Mobility: Measured with the Timed Up and Go Test; Four-Square Step Test; Six-Minute Walk Test; Berg Balance Scale; Functional Reach Test

    Time frame: Each outcome measures is assessed at pre-test (immediately before intervention), post-test (immediately after the 12 week intervention).

Secondary outcomes

  1. Participation: measured with the Activities Specific Balance Confidence Scale and the Parkinson's disease Quality of Life Scale

    Time frame: Each outcome measures is assessed at pre-test (immediately before intervention), post-test (immediately after the 12 week intervention).

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Indianapolis

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Comparison of Non-contact Boxing Training and Traditional Therapeutic Exercise on Functional Outcomes in Persons With Parkinson's Disease

Important dates

Study start
2009
Primary completion
2010
Study completion
2011
First posted
Nov 17, 2009
Registry last updated
Apr 2, 2020

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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