Abstract
The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore how individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) perceived noncontact boxing to influence their social and community engagement. This study found that those with PD who perceived noncontact boxing positively were positively influenced by it in both their social engagement and their physical and cognitive abilities. This study supports the feasibility of clinicians to utilize community-based, movement-focused activities to assist in the management of PD symptomology.
Primary Author and Speaker: Casey Humphrey
Additional Authors and Speakers: Dana Howell
Contributing Authors: Melba Custer
Research supports the physical and cognitive benefits of non-contact boxing for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) (Combs et al, 2013), however no research addresses the impact on social components. The purpose of this study was to explore how individuals with PD perceived non-contact boxing to influence their social and community engagement. Therefore, the following research question was addressed: How do individuals with PD perceive non-contact boxing impacts their social engagement? This study allows occupational therapists to understand the feasibility of utilizing community-based, movement activities – such as boxing – as a method for the chronic disease management of PD.
This was a phenomenological study that utilized a convenience sample obtained from a boxing club in Kentucky that offered PD specific boxing classes. Any individuals who were participating in the classes or had participated within the past year was invited to participate. The sample included 10 participants (3 female, 7 male) ranging in age from 52 to 84 years.
Qualitative methods including semi-structured interviews with a question guide and two observations were utilized for data collection. Colaizzi’s method was used for data analysis. This included review of the data to identify significant statements, development of formulated meanings, and extraction of an exhaustive description with supporting themes (Sanders, 2003).
The exhaustive description of the phenomenon was that the individuals with PD had a strong desire to maintain the life they had prior to their diagnosis and chose activities, such as non-contact boxing, which supported their ability to sustain that lifestyle. Two themes were identified which included (1) “The people I’ve met here and spent time with will be friends forever” and (2) “I don’t have to be Muhammed Ali. It’s not about that.” This study found that participation in boxing enabled the participants to build supportive and encouraging relationships. Boxing itself became a valuable social activity for participants by facilitating new relationships, providing support through connecting individuals going through similar experiences and opportunities for these relationships to expand to activities outside of boxing. Similar to findings from other studies (Combs et al., 2011; 2013), individuals with PD in this study perceived participation in non-contact boxing provided them with physical and cognitive benefits. Participants felt the combined physical and cognitive benefits contributed to their ability to engage in their valued social and community activities.
This study provided an introduction into understanding the subjective experiences of individuals with PD who participated in non-contact boxing. Findings demonstrate a potential link between physical activity and social engagement. Based on the findings of this study, it is important for health care practitioners to consider the impact that participation in social activities may have for clients with PD. While it may not be feasible for practitioners to refer clients to non-contact, community-based boxing programs, they should consider assessment of social isolation, review of patients’ social support, and referral to other community- and movement-based programs with a social component.
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Combs, S.A., Diehl, D., Staples, W.H., Conn, L., Davis, K., Lewis, N., & Schaneman, K. (2011). Boxing training for patients with Parkinson’s disease: A case series. Physical Therapy, 91(1), 132-142. doi: 10.2522/ptj.20100142
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