Rock Steady Boxing

Rock Steady Boxing has become a well known phrase and exercise regimen within the Parkinson’s disease community. But what exactly is it? 

Rock Steady Boxing was founded in 2006 by Scott C. Newman after he was diagnosed with PD at the age of 40. He started boxing and working with a trainer and noticed that boxing significantly improved his tremors and symptoms of PD- leaving him feeling “Rock Steady.” Today, The Rock Steady Boxing curriculum is recognized by the Parkinson’s Foundation as an Accredited Exercise Education Program.

Rock Steady is a curriculum that has been researched and shown to improve and address symptoms of PD including small and slow movements, balance, stiffness, flexed posture and respiratory weakness. This curriculum is able to be adapted to any stage of Parkinson’s disease. These techniques are designed to boost confidence, reduce the fear of falling, improve daily functioning, and educate clients on safe physical activity.

For more information and research, here are some articles supporting the efficacy of Rock Steady Boxing: 

– Dawson, Rachael A., et al. (2020): Boxing Exercise as therapy for Parkinson disease. Improved balance and Functional testing among participants.

-Larson, Danielle, et al. (2021): High satisfaction and improved quality of life with Rock Steady Boxing in Parkinson’s disease. Significant improvement in quality of life scores and non-motor symptoms in participants of Rock Steady Boxing.

– Malczynska-Sims, Paulina, et al. (2022): High-Intensity interval training modulates inflammatory response in Parkinson’s disease. High intensity exercise reduces chronic neural inflammation offering neuroprotection to those with Parkinson’s disease slowing the progression of the disease.

Information gathered from https://rocksteadyboxing.org/