New Research Finds Non-Contact Boxing Classes Help People With Parkinson’s

Many people with Parkinson’s disease are taking to the ring to help manage the disease.

U.S. researchers studied a non-contact boxing program designed for people with the disease and found the classes improved some non-motor symptoms like fatigue, fear of falling and anxiety.

Nancy Van Der Staeten was diagnosed nine years ago and believes boxing will help slow down her illness.

“Instead of being miserable the whole week, you stand up and you say, ‘Oh today, boxing,’” she said.

Researchers said people with moderate to severe Parkinson's took a little longer than those with milder symptoms to see the benefits of boxing, but that it did pay off in the end.