Effects of Rock Steady Boxing Delivered through Tele-rehabilitation on the Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease: A randomized controlled trial

The progressive symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD) often make it challenging for individuals to maintain an active lifestyle and engage in exercise beyond the safety of their homes. The fear of falling and the high risk of falls further contribute to a decline in activities outside the home environment. This research project seeks to evaluate the impact of Rock Steady Boxing (RSB) delivered through telerehabilitation. By doing so, we aim to provide clinicians with additional tools and opportunities to support their patients, offering accessible and effective exercise options that might otherwise be unavailable to them.

17 participants with a diagnosis of PD, aged 40 and above, with a Hoehn and Yahr rating between I and III. Participants signed an approved consent form and were randomly allocated to a Zoom group (n = 11) or an in-person group (n = 6). Baseline measurements included the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA) and demographic data (age, weight, and year of PD diagnosis). Outcome measures, including the Berg Balance Scale, Gait Velocity, Fatigue, 30-second Sit-to-Stand test, 2-minute Step-up test, and Parkinson's Disease Quality of Life (PDQ39), were collected at baseline and after six weeks. The intervention involved 45-60 minutes of RSB exercises approved by the Institutional Review Board, conducted three times a week for six weeks, conducted by a licensed Physical Therapist certified in RSB, emphasizing gross motor movements, balance, core strength, and rhythm, completed in person for one group and over Zoom for the second group.

At baseline, both groups were comparable in age (p = 0.19) and H & Y stage (p = 0.34). The Mann-Whitney U test showed no significant differences between the Zoom and in-person groups for any outcome measures except for Gait Velocity (p 0.008). The Wilcoxon signed-rank test indicated statistically significant improvements (p 0.05) in all outcome measures within both groups, suggesting the efficacy of RSB exercises. 

RSB is a feasible and effective exercise intervention that may improve PD symptoms regardless of delivery mode (in-person or online). Exercise programs like RSB may need to be tailored to individual patient needs.

Significant improvements in motor and non-motor symptoms associated with PD can be achieved through RSB intervention, whether delivered in person or via tele-rehab. Individuals with PD who cannot travel for personal or medical reasons can benefit from individually tailored RSB programs.