The Lived Experience of Persons with Parkinson's Disease in Non-Contact Boxing Programs
Abstract
We conducted a scoping review to identify articles examining non-contact boxing programs for persons with Parkinson’s disease (PwP). Results suggested that gait, mobility, balance, and quality-of-life were the most-studied outcomes. Many qualitative articles explored the experience within in-person boxing programs, but no articles explored experiences within virtual boxing programs. We followed this review with an interpretative phenomenological analysis aimed at addressing this research gap and interviewed six PwP who had engaged with both virtual and in-person Rock Steady Boxing programming. Results suggested that although the virtual setting improved elements of the individual experience, the physical and social aspects were better experienced in person. Results also suggest that in-person programming better supported autonomy, competence, and relatedness, which predicts better intrinsic motivation according to the Self-Determination theory. Virtual programming may have potential for individuals requiring remote exercise but would benefit from better access to home boxing equipment, and improved socialization during workouts.