Boxing with Parkinson's Disease: findings from a qualitative study using self-determination theory.

Abstract

Adults with Parkinson's disease (PD) experience debilitating symptoms that may be mitigated by boxing. Yet, attrition from boxing programs is problematic. Understanding whether PD-specific boxing programs can enhance motivation to remain physically active is important. This study investigated adults' experiences within a PD-specific boxing program and explored their perspectives on how the program has influenced physical activity motivational processes using a self-determination theory (SDT) lens. Nine adults with PD who took part in the Boxing 4 Health PD-specific boxing program completed face-to-face, semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed using a hybrid approach of inductive and deductive thematic analysis. The analysis yielded five themes: (1) <i>I made an informed decision to participate and it feels good</i>, (2) <i>Boxing helps me stay active and keep moving</i>, (3) <i>To keep me going, the boxing program needs to have variety and allow for input</i>, (4) <i>A program that can be adapted to me is important</i>, and (5) <i>The instructor and the group facilitate my continued participation in the program</i>. Providing participants with adapted exercises, varied sessions, and opportunities to provide input in a group-based PD-specific boxing program may be conducive to enhancing motivation for physical activity. Further, SDT may be a useful theoretical framework for developing and evaluating PD-specific programs.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONAdults with Parkinson's disease (PD) have many reasons for not engaging in physical activity, including a lack of motivation.A group-based PD-specific boxing program may be conducive to increasing motivation for physical activity.Professionals should consider: (1) educating adults with PD on the benefits of boxing, (2) offering group-based PD-specific boxing programs that are adaptable, varied, and open to input, and (3) fostering social support and networking opportunities within such programs.