Gloves On, Spirits High: Students Host Boxing Program for Parkinson’s Community
“My man, welcome back!” Justin Do ’25 greets an older gentleman as he enters the main Doctor of Physical Therapy classroom in Chappuis Hall.
The man’s smile mirrors the excited energy in the room, as individuals living with Parkinson’s Disease arrive early for boxing class.
Delivering much-needed support for individuals affected by Parkinson’s, the class was inspired by both community needs and a research study conducted by several DeSales faculty members.
The study explores how community-based programs, such as the one offered here, can benefit those living with Parkinson's. It’s been published in the International Journal of Exercise and Science.
“There’s a big gap in perception of motion in individuals living with Parkinson’s,” explains Jake Morris D’25. “In their mind, their motions are the same as if they didn’t have Parkinson’s, but when they go to do things, those actions become minimized.”
According to Morris, research shows that when individuals living with Parkinson’s exercise, it increases neuroplasticity in the brain, improving its ability to adapt, despite the neurodegenerative effects of the disease.
“With chronic illnesses, you hear a lot about the difficulties,” says Morris. “At the end of the day, you want to make sure these patients, these people, are enjoying themselves and getting some type of social connection.”
Do, a sport and exercise physiology major, leads the group through several warm-up exercises, before having them rotate through a series of boxing drills at stations around the room. Like Morris, Do appreciates the collaboration between undergraduate students studying sport and exercise physiology and those in the DPT program. He also recognizes that the boxing classes are a unique opportunity to connect with community members at an early stage in his academic career.
For participants like 82-year-old Bonnie Fachet, this connection is a key reason she looks forward to class each week. Despite her age, Fachet’s agility rivals that of individuals decades younger—a result, she believes, of regularly attending boxing classes and staying active at the gym.
“You get to meet a lot of people in class, and I don’t get much cardio in when I go to the gym,” Fachet explains. “Sometimes I feel like I’m not doing as much as the next guy, but then I remember I have to focus on what I’m doing.”
Fachet and boxing partner Carvel Hoffman were the first two students to regularly attend boxing classes at DeSales beginning in the Fall 2024 semester.
“I’m involved in other programs and this one is the best,” says Hoffman. “The students are very enthusiastic, and the camaraderie is both a motivator and adds to the enjoyment.”
The program is open to anyone living with Parkinson’s Disease regardless of age, and will be offered again in the Spring 2025 semester.