Fazio’s PD Fighters was founded on the success of a 2021 clinical trial in Perth, Western Australia. The trial was a collaboration between former Australian Champion Boxer Rai Fazio, Neurologist Professor David Blacker, the Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, and Edith Cowan University.
The FIGHT-PD Study
The study tested the feasibility of a structured boxing program for people with Parkinson’s disease.
- Participants: 10 people with early-stage Parkinson’s and no contraindications to high-intensity exercise.
- Program: 15 weeks, with three 1-hour sessions each week. Sessions included a specialised boxer’s warm-up followed by boxing rounds using the FIGHTMASTER training device.
Key Outcomes:
- 100% of participants completed the program, with 98% of all workouts attended.
- No serious injuries occurred.
- Heart rate and exertion data were successfully collected.
- Fatigue, pain, and sleep all improved.
- 9 out of 10 participants showed improvement on the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS).
Why Boxing Works!
Benefits of Boxing Training for Parkinson’s Disease
- Provides an intense cardiovascular workout that elevates heart rate and may stimulate the release of metabolic factors that support brain cell growth.
- Improves posture, positioning, and balance, which may help reduce the risk of falls.
- Offers cognitive stimulation by requiring participants to learn and perform new movement sequences while engaging in high-intensity exercise.
- Encourages social connection through group sessions, helping to counteract the negative effects of social isolation—a common challenge for people with PD.
What the Experts Say About the Power of Exercise
“Exercise is the most promising approach to slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease-particularly if initiated at diagnosis.”
Jay Alberts Phd, Neuroscientist, The Cleveland Clinic
“Some of the effects of exercise equal that of a moderately effective antiparkinsonian drug”
Professor Bas Bloem, Professor of Movement Disorder Neurology and director of Radboud Centre of Expertise for Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders, The Netherlands.
“Exercise is the one thing that can help you take back control from Parkinson’s Disease” Parkinson’s: How to reduce symptoms through exercise by Kristine Meldrum.