A recent pilot study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine explored the effects of a non-contact boxing exercise intervention on respiratory pressure and phonation aerodynamics in individuals with Parkinson’s disease. The study involved eight adult males with Parkinson’s disease who participated in twice-weekly one-hour exercise classes for 12 months.
The study aimed to measure the effects of the exercise program on maximum expiratory pressure, transglottal airflow, and subglottal air pressure. Baseline measurements were taken on three separate days, and additional measurements were taken at six additional time points throughout the 12 months.
The results of the study revealed that average maximum expiratory pressure significantly increased after 9- and 12-months of exercise compared to baseline measurements. This increase was observed in all participants and had a large effect size. However, there were no significant changes in transglottal airflow and subglottal pressure over the 9- and 12-month periods.
The researchers concluded that the non-contact boxing exercise program had a significant positive effect on maximum expiratory pressure in individuals with Parkinson’s disease. They hypothesized that the aerobic nature of the exercise program and the challenges it posed to the respiratory muscles may have contributed to this effect.
It is important to note that this study had a small sample size and focused only on male participants. Therefore, further research incorporating larger and more diverse participant groups is necessary to confirm these findings and explore the potential benefits of non-contact boxing exercise interventions for individuals with Parkinson’s disease.
The Bottom Line:
A pilot study investigating the effects of a non-contact boxing exercise program on respiratory pressure and phonation aerodynamics in individuals with Parkinson’s disease found that the program had a significant positive effect on maximum expiratory pressure. However, further research with larger and more diverse participant groups is needed to validate these findings.
Key Points:
– The study examined the effects of a non-contact boxing exercise program on respiratory pressure and phonation aerodynamics in individuals with Parkinson’s disease.
– Eight adult males with Parkinson’s disease participated in a twice-weekly one-hour exercise program for 12 months.
– Measurements of maximum expiratory pressure significantly increased after 9- and 12-months of exercise compared to baseline.
– There were no significant changes in transglottal airflow and subglottal pressure over the 9- and 12-month periods.
– The researchers theorized that the aerobic nature of the program and the challenges it posed to the respiratory muscles may explain the positive effect on maximum expiratory pressure.
– The small sample size and limited participant diversity warrant further research to validate these findings and explore the potential benefits of non-contact boxing exercise interventions for individuals with Parkinson’s disease.
Source Article: https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/12/14/4806
