Faculty Sponsor

Jana Stedman

College

College of Nursing & Health Professions (CONHP)

Department/Program

Physician Assistant

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Symposium Date

Summer 7-23-2025

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of boxing, dancing, and singing as movement-based interventions on motor symptoms, quality of life, cognition, and depression in individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease (PD).

Methods: A literature search was conducted using Google Scholar with terms including "Boxing," "Dance," "Singing," "MDS," and "Parkinson's disease." Studies were included if participants had a confirmed diagnosis, engaged in a movement-based intervention, and were either on or off PD medication. Exclusion criteria included the presence of other health conditions, inability of complete the intervention, or advanced disease symptoms that limited participation. Key outcomes assessed were mobility, agility, speech, daily functioning, cognition, and mental health.

Results: Boxing interventions showed improvements in motor symptoms measured by the MDS-UPDRS III and TUG tests, with one study noting a reduction in depression using the MDS-NMS scale, though no significant changes in quality of life were found. Dance interventions improved motor function, but results for quality of life and cognition measured by MoCA were mixed. Singing therapy was associated with improvements in motor function and vocal loudness, and was linked to reduced depression in patients and decreased caregiver anxiety, as measured by the DASS scale.

Conclusion: The movement therapies of boxing, dancing, and singing show promise as complementary approaches for individuals with PD, particularly for motor symptom improvement. However, individual responses vary based on personal interest and motivation. While these findings are encouraging, further research is needed to confirm their benefit across larger and more diverse populations.

Biographical Information about Author(s)

Chloe Smith plans to pursue her interest in orthopedic surgery following graduation. She will be presenting on the "Therapeutic Benefits of Boxing, Dancing, and Singing in Parkinson's Disease Management" because her late grandma had PD. Additionally, when visiting her uncle in Florida, she sang karaoke with a band member who could no longer play the guitar due to the severity of his PD symptoms which inspired her to evaluate the effects of movement therapy.

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