Boxing vs Sensory Exercise for Parkinson's Disease: A Double-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial.
Kishoree Sangarapillai, Benjamin M Norman, Quincy J Almeida
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34121511/Actively Recruiting
Led by University of Texas, El Paso · Updated on 2026-05-08
45
Participants Needed
2
Research Sites
4 weeks
Total Duration
Researchers are investigating how different structured exercise programs impact movement, fitness, and overall health in adults with Parkinsons disease. Parkinsons disease is a progressive condition affecting movement, balance, and quality of life. This study aims to compare various exercise types to see which best improve motor function, endurance, and physiological health markers in people living with Parkinsons disease. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three exercise groups guided cycling, non-contact boxing, or traditional physical therapy. Each group will participate in supervised exercise sessions twice a week for eight weeks. The cycling group uses stationary bikes with intensity based on individual fitness testing. The boxing group engages in rhythmical, task-specific boxing movements and agility drills. The physical therapy group follows standard rehabilitation exercises including aerobic, balance, and strength training. All sessions include warm-up, exercise, and cool-down, and are led by licensed physical therapists. During the study, movement, balance, walking speed, and quality of life will be assessed at the start, after eight weeks of exercise, and again after a four-week rest period. Blood samples will be taken at these times to analyze markers of cardiovascular health and inflammation. Exercise intensity and safety will be monitored throughout. The total participation lasts about 15 weeks, allowing researchers to understand both immediate and lasting effects of the exercise programs.
CONDITIONS
Changes in Movement, Fitness, and Quality of Life in People With Parkinson's Disease After Different Exercise Programs
K
Katherine M Reyes-Brooks, PT, DPT
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University of Texas, El Paso
Lead Sponsor
This table compares participation in this trial with other options available for this condition. The information is drawn from published research and the trial’s study details and is provided for educational purposes only.
| Factors | Guided Cycling Exercise Program | Non-contact Boxing Exercise Program | Standard Physical Therapy Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | A supervised cycling exercise program tailored to each participant's fitness level, delivered on a stationary ergometer, targeting aerobic intensity zones informed by cardiopulmonary testing. | A structured, supervised boxing exercise program following the Rock Steady Boxing® framework, including agility, heavy bag and speed bag drills, and strength circuits adapted for Parkinson’s safety. | Multimodal physical therapy sessions that include aerobic, resistance, balance, gait, and functional exercises, guided by a licensed physical therapist according to clinical guidelines. |
| Role in trial | Experimental arm testing whether structured aerobic cycling improves movement, fitness, and quality of life. | Experimental arm assessing boxing-based exercise for Parkinson’s disease outcomes. | Active comparator arm reflecting current guideline-based physical therapy practice. |
| Primary use | Designed to enhance balance, aerobic fitness, and daily living quality for people with Parkinson's disease. | Intended to improve functional movement, balance, and promote social engagement among Parkinson’s participants. | Aims to reduce mobility impairments, optimize functional independence, and manage Parkinson-related movement limitations. |
| How it is given or performed | Conducted twice weekly for eight weeks, each session includes a warm-up, cycling intervals at individualized aerobic intensity based on CPET, and a cool-down. Heart rate and exertion are monitored for safety. | Sessions held twice weekly for eight weeks, combining warm-up, agility drills, boxing rounds, and strength circuits. Supervised by licensed physical therapists experienced in Parkinson's safety. | Delivered twice weekly for eight weeks, sessions include aerobic, resistance, balance, gait, and task-specific exercises, tailored to patient needs and led by licensed physical therapists. |
| Evidence status | The Guided Cycling program is supported by clinical evidence of improved motor function, though large studies in diverse Parkinson's populations are ongoing. | Boxing-based exercise has demonstrated high patient satisfaction and improvements in quality of life in published surveys and small controlled studies, but further randomized evidence is in progress. | Multimodal physical therapy is guideline-recommended as standard care for Parkinson's disease, widely supported by evidence for mobility, function, and balance improvement. |
| Important limitations | Participants must be able to ambulate independently and undergo cardiopulmonary testing. Cycling may not appeal to all or be accessible for those with balance or endurance issues. | Requires participants to tolerate boxing circuit activities. Session intensity may be challenging for those with advanced symptoms or limited mobility; longer-term effects remain unestablished. | Standard physical therapy may provide less novelty or motivation compared to specialized exercise programs; access and consistency of care can vary. Outcomes depend partly on adherence and patient engagement. |
Disclaimer: This comparison is created with the help of artificial intelligence(AI) and may contain errors or missing information. It is not medical advice and does not mean one option is better or safer than another. Clinical trials are still being studied, and joining a trial is your choice. Please consult your healthcare professional before making any decisions.
You may qualify if you...
You will not qualify if you...
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 1 week
Participants complete baseline testing to assess motor function, cardiorespiratory fitness, and quality of life before starting the exercise program.
1 baseline visit (in-person)
Duration - 8 weeks
Participants engage in supervised exercise sessions twice weekly for eight weeks, including guided cycling, non-contact boxing, or traditional physical therapy, depending on their assigned group. Each session lasts about 60 minutes and includes warm-up, exercise activities, and cool-down under therapist supervision.
Twice weekly sessions for 8 weeks (approximately 16 sessions)
Duration - 1 week
Participants undergo testing immediately after completing the exercise program to evaluate changes in motor function, fitness, and quality of life.
1 post-intervention visit (in-person)
Duration - 4 weeks
Participants have a four-week rest period without structured exercise to assess short-term retention of exercise-related adaptations.
No scheduled visits
Duration - 1 week
Participants complete final assessments to evaluate lasting effects of the exercise interventions after the rest period.
1 follow-up visit (in-person)
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
3
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https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2016074/University of Texas, El Paso
Lead Sponsor