Rock Steady Boxing: A qualitative evaluation of a community exercise program for people with Parkinson's disease

Regular exercise can reduce the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, a common neurodegenerative disorder. The Rock Steady Boxing organization created an exercise program for people with Parkinson's Disease (pwPD) modelled after traditional boxing. The purpose of this study was to better understand the physical function, exercise beliefs, contextual factors, class experiences and outcome perceptions of pwPD participating in Rock Steady Boxing.

A pragmatic qualitative approach of semi-structured interviews and class observations was supplemented by cross-sectional physical function measures.

Ten study participants were community dwelling adults with Parkinson's Disease, participating in Rock Steady Boxing two to three times a week for an average of 10.6 (6.2) months. Most participants (7/10) had good mobility with Timed Up and Go scores below the 14.8 second average for community dwelling pwPD (7/10) and Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire-39 Mobility Scores < 50% (8/10). Participants (9/10) had good exercise self-efficacy, with average scores on the Short Self-efficacy for Exercise Scale > 3/5. Thematic analysis revealed a history of exercise and strong exercise beliefs positively influenced participation. Rock Steady Boxing provided valued social interactions and offered individualized attention through personalized modifications.

Instructor enthusiasm, program modifiability and social support drive participation and provide a challenge for differing abilities. RSB is a valued community offering for pwPD.