The Influence of Preparatory Boxing Exercises on the Postural Stability and Hands Psychomotor Ability in Patients with Parkinson`s Disease

Research background. Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease. As the incidence of Parkinson’s disease is increasing, more and more new and exciting physical therapy methods are being sought to help reduce the symptoms of the disease. Currently, training sessions for preparatory boxing exercises are becoming increasingly popular. The aim. In this study our goal was to determine the influence of preparatory boxing exercises in physical therapy on the postural stability and hands psychomotor ability in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Methods. 22 volunteers with Parkinson’s disease participated in this research. Patients were divided into 2 groups: intervention group (n = 11) and control group (n = 11). Intervention group had preparatory boxing exercise for twice every week, for four months. No intervention was applied for control group. The Biodex Balance System was chosen to evaluate the postural stability and the RA-1 Reactiometer was used to assess the hand psychomotor reaction. Results. The four-month preparatory boxing exercises in physical therapy have signifcantly improved the statistical parameters of postural stability and hand psychomotor reaction in people with Parkinson’s disease (p < 0.05). In subjects with Parkinson’s disease, the indicators in the non-attendance program did not change. Conclusions. According to the results, along with the knowledge that all volunteers had completed the research, we can state that preparatory boxing exercise in physiotherapy is safe and effective for patients with Parkinson’s disease, thus the inclusion of boxing excercise to be included in the physical therapy course is recommended.Keywords: Parkinson’s disease, preparatory boxing exercises, postural stability, hand psychomotor reaction.