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Four days a week, he comes to Rock Steady, co-owned by former Marion County prosecutor Scott Newman and Todd Wolfe, either for classes or workouts. Class members have developed camaraderie and learned how to cope with the disease from each other, Schaefer said.
Physically, he thinks the training has helped decrease his tremors, improve his balance and walking and allowed him to get better sleep.
His neurologist, Dr. David Josephson, said his symptoms have improved, but it's hard to say if boxing workouts are the reason. Still, he said, this type of physical activity likely causes the part of the nervous system that is functioning normally to perform at higher levels.
He stressed only noncontact boxing is safe and people with advanced Parkinson's can't do vigorous physical activity.
The disease, which affects as many as 1.5 million Americans, damages or destroys nerve cells or neurons in part of the brain. These nerve cells normally release dopamine, a chemical that transmits signals that cause muscles to make smooth, controlled motions.
Research has shown that treadmill running specifically helps Parkinson's patients with walking speed and lengthening their stride, said Wojcieszek. Many studies, too, have found that any vigorous exercise helps improve slowness and rigidity, she added.
While no one has proven exercise slows the disease's progression, she said neurologists are excited about the possibility. She thinks it creates the release of chemicals that cause neurons to be healthier longer.

Marked improvement
Boxing workouts have given Paula Tomlin more confidence in her physical abilities. Diagnosed in 2001 with Parkinson's, she said her tremors are sometimes aggravated while exercising, but have lessened overall.
"I stand upright now, and my gait is better," said the 50-year-old Citizens Gas Co. database administrator "It's helped me to be quicker and more agile, too."
The workouts, which include stretching, balance and abdominal exercises as well as boxing, are the most vigorous exercise she's gotten.
Medication also helps people with Parkinson's manage problems with walking, movement and tremors by increasing the brain's supply of dopamine. But researchers have not discovered what sparks the cycle that kills the neurons, said Wojcieszek.
If research can figure out the steps involved in the death of neurons, she said, that pathway could be interrupted. Other research involves replacing neurons that have died. Stem cells may be used for this, but she said nothing is available yet.
The federal government also has organized multiple Parkinson's research centers, including IU's, and they're now studying the long-term impact of Creatine, a body-building supplement, and Coenzyme Q10, a nutritional supplement.
For now, Perez only knows what he sees -- positive physical and emotional results from people with Parkinson's.
"We're trying to give them hope," said Perez. "We're trying to get them to think today is not the best day, tomorrow you'll feel better."

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Punching Parkinson's
Exercise makes a difference for patients with the disease