Boxing as an Intervention in Mental Health: A Scoping Review

Targeting mental health and wellbeing in women who have experienced gender-based violence through moderate-vigorous physical activity: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Gender-based violence (GBV) is associated with high rates of psychopathology (i.e., depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder) in victim-survivors. Existing research has demonstrated that physical activity is beneficial for mental health and wellbeing across various populations. However, it is currently unclear whether moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) is efficacious for victim-survivors of GBV. Therefore, this systematic review aims to understand 1) the acceptability and feasibility of leisure-time MVPA interventions for victim-survivors of GBV, 2) the efficacy of leisure-time MVPA interventions for mental health and wellbeing in this cohort, and 3) the implementation strategies used in the development of such interventions.

METHODS

Four databases were searched from inception to January 2024. Leisure-time MVPA intervention studies that reported on at least one measure of mental health or wellbeing for self-identified/biological women who had lived experience of GBV were eligible.

RESULTS

Eleven studies met inclusion criteria, and analysis revealed a range of different types of MVPA (n = 5) and mental health/wellbeing outcomes measured (n = 9). The main findings include: 1) feasibility and acceptability of MVPA for victim-survivors was enhanced where trauma and violence-informed (TVI) practices were used in the development and delivery of interventions. 2) There was a lack of clarity and consistency around TVI practice in physical activity intervention research. 3) Leisure-time MVPA may be positively associated with mental health and wellbeing.

CONCLUSIONS

Limited evidence exists regarding the impact of MVPA on mental health and wellbeing for this important population group. Future studies should embed TVI strategy within the design, delivery, and implementation of interventions.

Mindfulness-based (non-contact) boxing therapy (MBBT) for depression and anxiety: A feasibility study

OBJECTIVES

Mindfulness-Based (non-contact) Boxing Therapy (MBBT) is a novel intervention designed to empower and promote self-agency through behavioral interventions, while reducing barriers to exercise for individuals with mental disorders. MBBT is an instructor-led, manualized, non-contact boxing group-exercise program (delivered in 90 min sessions, twice a week, over 10 weeks) that blends principles of mindfulness, meditation and group therapy. The current study tested the acceptability and feasibility of delivering MBBT to adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) or generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

METHODS

Nine adult outpatients with MDD or GAD were recruited from a psychiatric outpatient clinic in Toronto, Canada in a 10-week feasibility trial of MBBT using a pre-post design. Feasibility was assessed through recruitment and retention rates, while acceptability was assessed through the CSQ-8, and self-questionnaires. Secondary clinical outcomes included the PHQ-9, GAD-7, K10, CGI, and MAAS. Trial registry: ISRCTN23023309.

RESULTS

Eight participants (5 female, 3 male) were included in the final analysis. Results indicated a high user retention (89%), attendance (84%), and satisfaction (98%). The study observed a statistically significant mean percent reduction in depression (54%), anxiety (51%) and distress (36%), alongside a mean percent increase in mindfulness (79%). Post intervention qualitative feedback from participants revealed themes of inclusivity and accessibility, cathartic release and control of emotions, improved self-esteem and confidence, self-agency, community, and trust in leadership.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the limitation of the study, MBBT appeared to be feasible and acceptable as an exercise/behavioural intervention. Further well-designed randomized clinical trials are warranted to confirm the clinical benefits of MBBT.

Demographic trends of boxing-associated fractures over 10 years

BACKGROUND

Boxing is a sport well-known for the risk of injury. However, the epidemiology of boxing-associated fractures has not been well studied. This study aims to report the characteristics of boxing fractures that lead to presentation to the emergency room and evaluate the demographics and practices of the patients to prevent these injuries.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study analyzed boxing-associated fractures over a decade (2013-2022) using the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database. Patients presenting to U.S. emergency departments with boxing-related injuries were categorized by age, gender, and injury location. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and ANOVA were employed to assess temporal trends and associations between injury occurrence and demographic variables.

RESULTS

Analysis of 959 boxing-associated fractures (BAFs) showed that hand fractures were most common (53.64%), followed by phalanx (12.73%) and facial fractures (10.91%). Significant differences were observed across body parts (χ2 = 9.74, P < .001). Associated soft tissue injuries included lacerations, contusions, sprains, strains, and hematomas, with no significant differences among these categories (χ2 = 1.47, P = 0.832). Males experienced more BAFs than females overall, but females had a significant increase over time (F(1,9) = 4.308, p = 0.032). Most fractures occurred in recreational or sports settings (34.5%), followed by home (19.1%) and school (13.24%). The highest BAF incidence was in individuals aged 21-30 (32.18%), while the lowest was in those aged 41-50 (5.47%). From 2020 to 2022, BAFs decreased in recreational settings and increased at home during 2020-2022.

CONCLUSION

Hand fractures were the most common type of BAF. Males had significantly more BAFs, although the incidence of BAFs in females increased significantly since 2013. Fractures mainly occurred in recreational places, but from 2020-2022, most occurred at home. This shift coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting increased home sparring. These findings emphasize the need for further research into protective measures and injury prevention in boxing.

The Efficacy of Boxing Training on Patients with Parkinson's Disease: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to systematically review the available evidence on the effects of boxing interventions on people with Parkinson disease.

METHODS

Four electronic databases were searched systematically from their inception until December 2023. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database and Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies scales.

RESULTS

A total of 13 studies were included. Data synthesis indicated that participants who performed boxing programs did not have a significant effect in the polled data on functional mobility, balance, motor symptoms, gait and cardiorespiratory fitness Accordingly, for the effects of boxing on self-reported quality of life, the polled data showed a non-significant trend towards improving Hedges' g. Also, when the analysis was performed by comparing the experimental and control groups, the results remained non-significant.

CONCLUSIONS

The evidence regarding the use of boxing as a program exercise for patients with Parkinson disease remains uncertain. Preliminary findings indicate that participation in boxing does not demonstrate a substantial impact on either physical or mental health outcomes.

Boxing behavior recognition based on artificial intelligence convolutional neural network with sports psychology assistant

The purpose of this study is to deeply understand the psychological state of boxers before the competition, and explore an efficient boxing action classification and recognition model supported by artificial intelligence (AI) technology through these psychological characteristics. Firstly, this study systematically measures the key psychological dimensions of boxers, such as anxiety level, self-confidence, team identity, and opponent attitude, through psychological scale survey to obtain detailed psychological data. Then, based on these data, this study innovatively constructs a boxing action classification and recognition model based on BERT fusion 3D-ResNet, which not only comprehensively considers psychological information, but also carefully considers action characteristics to improve the classification accuracy of boxing actions. The performance evaluation shows that the model proposed in this study is significantly superior to the traditional model in terms of loss value, accuracy and F1 value, and the accuracy reaches 96.86%. Therefore, through the comprehensive application of psychology and deep learning, this study successfully constructs a boxing action classification and recognition model that can fully understand the psychological state of boxers, which provides strong support for the psychological training and action classification of boxers.

Older Persons Participation in Hard Martial Arts: Opportunities to Improve Psychological Well-Being? A Scoping Review

This study aims to explore the potential psychological and cognitive advantages for older individuals engaged in hard martial arts (HMA), through a comprehensive scoping review of literature up to 2023. Specifically, it examines the extent of changes in cognition, mental state, and quality of life among elderly participants of HMA. Inclusion criteria were studies conducted on healthy persons who were over 50 years of age. Only papers published in the English language were included. The search was undertaken in electronic databases and sources of grey literature. Thirteen papers with a total of 514 participants met the inclusion criteria. Improved cognition and decreased levels of anxiety and depression were emerging themes. Together, these factors contributed to the quality of life of participants. HMA was found to benefit cognitive abilities and psychological well-being, increasing quality of life more than traditional exercise alone. Findings suggested duration of training influenced change more than frequency. The limited number of studies exploring the effects of HMA on mental wellness and cognitive ability in older adults underscores the need for further research. The findings of this review suggest cognitive and quality of life improvements and reduced depression and anxiety in individuals engaging in HMA. This review serves as a foundation for soundly designed future research.

The influence of aggressive exercise on responses to self-perceived and others' pain

Previous studies have reported relationships between exercise and pain. However, little is known about how aggressive exercise modulates individuals' responses to their own and others' pain. This present study addresses this question by conducting 2 studies employing event-related potential (ERP). Study 1 included 38 participants whose self-perceived pain was assessed after intervention with aggressive or nonaggressive exercises. Study 2 recruited 36 participants whose responses to others' pain were assessed after intervention with aggressive or nonaggressive exercise. Study 1's results showed that P2 amplitudes were smaller, reaction times were longer, and participants' judgments were less accurate in response to self-perceived pain stimuli, especially to high-pain stimuli, after intervention with aggressive exercise compared to nonaggressive exercise. Results of study 2 showed that both P3 and LPP amplitudes to others' pain were larger after intervention with aggressive exercise than with nonaggressive exercise. These results suggest that aggressive exercise decreases individuals' self-perceived pain and increases their empathic responses to others' pain.