Parkinson’s in Boxing and Other Full-contact Sports

By Andy Diaz

What is parkinson’s disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic and progressive movement disorder, meaning that

symptoms continue and worsen over time.

Common Symptoms

• tremor - of the hands, arms, legs, jaw and face• bradykinesia -or slowness of movement• rigidity -or stiffness of the limbs and trunk• postural instability -or impaired balance and

coordination

Causes for Parkinson’s

• genetics- It’s still unclear how genetics plays a role but Parkinson's has been identified in children in a small number of cases to be genetically correlated. Although, the cause for this is still unknown.

Does head trauma lead to Parkinson's?

• There is still more research to be done, but it is known that and increased amount of head trauma can lead to destruction of brain cells which can in turn cause Parkinson's.

Treatment for Parkinson's

• There is currently no cure for Parkinson's disease, but there are several types of medicines that can control the symptoms and make the disease easier to live with.

How to prevent Parkinson's

• There are many things you can do at home that can help you stay as independent and healthy as possible. Eat healthy foods. Get the rest you need. Make wise use of your energy. Get some exercise every day. Physical therapy and occupational therapy can also help.

Conclusion

• Finding out that you have a long-term, progressive disease changes your life. Although, it’s normal to have a wide range of feelings when this happens, staying calm and planning to work things out with your loved ones can make all the difference towards increasing your quality of life while managing this disease.

References • Lolekha, P., Phanthumachinda, K., & Bhidayasiri, R. (2010). Prevelene and risk factors of,

Parkinson’s disease in retired Thai traditional boxers. Movement Disorders, 25(12), 1895-1901.doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/mds.23210

• Roongroj, B.Chanisa, C. Juho, J., Supatporn, T., Natnipa, W., Jarkko, J., &…Juha O., R. (n.d.). Letter to the Editor: Bowing and Parkinson disease: A link or a myth? An 28F-FDOPA PET/CT study retired Thai traditional boxers. Parkinsnism And Related Disorders, 18694-696.doi:10.1016/j.parkreldis.2012.01.010

• Stern M, Dulaney E, Gruber SB, et al. The Epidemiology of Parkinson's Disease: A Case-Control Study of Young-Onset and Old-Onset Patients. Arch Neurol. 1991;48(9):903-907. doi:10.1001/archneur.1991.00530210029018.

• Brandon E. Gavett, Robert A. Stern, Ann C. McKeeClin Sports Med. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2012 January 1. Published in final edited form as: Clin Sports Med. 2011 January; 30(1): 179–xi. doi: 10.1016/j.csm.2010.09.007

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Weiner, R.L. (1987). Magnetic resonance imaging and computerized tomography in relation to the neurobehavioral sequelae of mild and moderate head injuries. J. Neurosurg. 66:706-713.