The Role of Boxing in Parkinson’s Disease: Evidence, Benefits, and Future Directions

Over 10 million people worldwide are affected by Parkinson’s disease (PD), making the development of effective therapeutic approaches essential. Previously seen as an emerging trend, boxing training has now been integrated as a recognized alternative therapy approach for over a decade, gaining increasing attention in research and clinical practice. This systematic review critically examines the effects of boxing training as a therapeutic intervention in individuals with PD by synthesizing evidence from 13 relevant studies published between 2000 and 2024. The findings suggest that boxing training can lead to improvements in motor symptoms, balance, and cognitive function while also positively impacting psychosocial well-being. However, methodological inconsistencies among studies—such as variations in sample size, intervention design, and outcome measures—limit the generalizability of results. A significant gap remains in the standardization of boxing protocols, particularly regarding intensity, frequency, and session duration, which complicates the ability to derive clear clinical recommendations. To enhance the efficacy of boxing interventions for PD, future programs should incorporate individualized assessments and goal setting, progressive intensity levels, a focus on cognitive and emotional aspects, structured social engagement, and ongoing professional training for exercise facilitators. Standardized protocols and longitudinal studies are needed to further validate the long-term impact of boxing as a therapeutic modality in PD management. This review highlights the potential of boxing as an adjunctive therapy while underscoring the necessity for more rigorous and standardized research in this field.