Bill Overview
Title: Boxing Therapy for Parkinson’s Access Act of 2022
Description: This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to furnish boxing-based exercise classes to veterans who (1) are enrolled in the VA health care system, (2) have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease (or a similar movement disorder), and (3) elect to participate in such classes to treat the disease or disorder.
Sponsors: Rep. Higgins, Brian [D-NY-26]
Target Audience
Population: People with Parkinson's disease or similar movement disorders
Estimated Size: 1000000
- The global prevalence of Parkinson's disease is estimated to be more than 10 million people.
- Veterans constitute a significant population in countries with active military forces like the United States.
- The VA health care system primarily serves U.S. veterans, thus the relevant global population impacted beyond veterans may be limited.
- Movement disorders, including Parkinson's, often see increased incidence in older populations, which may be a common demographic among veterans.
Reasoning
- The target population for the policy includes veterans diagnosed with Parkinson's or similar disorders.
- The estimated population size of veterans with Parkinson's in the U.S is significantly smaller than the global prevalence of Parkinson's overall, allowing targeted spending within a limited budget.
- Given that the VA specifically serves veterans, and the drastic difference between global and U.S. estimates for Parkinson's, it's likely the impact will vary greatly on an individual level among veterans.
- Boxing therapy has a reported positive impact on movement disorders, thus can provide significant improvements in quality of life for affected veterans.
- Veterans affected by Parkinson's are often older, male demographics, though a variety of backgrounds are possible.
- Cost considerations and access to facilities can affect the reach and efficacy of the policy.
Simulated Interviews
retired veteran (San Diego, CA)
Age: 68 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Boxing therapy sounds promising, especially if it offers any improvement in my mobility.
- I've tried several therapies, but this seems like it could really help physically and mentally.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
retired nurse (Boston, MA)
Age: 72 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I have heard exercise helps, so I'm eager to try boxing as a new regimen.
- Access via VA is crucial as my budget is tight.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
retired teacher (Fargo, ND)
Age: 80 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm wary about starting something so physically demanding at my age.
- But if it could slow disease progression, it's worth a try.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 3 |
retired firefighter (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 61 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm all for trying new treatments, especially those that promote active engagement.
- The social aspect of boxing classes might also help.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
retired accountant (Miami, FL)
Age: 75 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's an interesting avenue, though I fear it may be too late for much change in my condition.
- Having access to more social interaction could be a big plus.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 3 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 2 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 3 | 2 |
part-time librarian (Seattle, WA)
Age: 56 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've always loved sports, so boxing as therapy is very appealing.
- I'm excited to see if it boosts my energy levels and coordination.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
retired engineer (Chicago, IL)
Age: 70 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm a bit skeptical but intrigued by the idea of boxing as a therapy.
- A little nervous about potential injuries.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 3 |
retired social worker (New York, NY)
Age: 66 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The introduction of a boxing program through the VA seems like a perfect fit for veterans who thrive in structured environments.
- I hope it helps manage stress as well as motor symptoms.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 3 |
retired mechanic (Austin, TX)
Age: 74 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I would appreciate anything that helps stay active and postpones reliance on a caretaker.
- Boxing could potentially increase my independence.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 3 |
retired (Charlotte, NC)
Age: 65 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Access to diverse treatments strategies through the VA is a game changer for many like myself.
- I'd consider boxing as a complementary treatment.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $7000000)
Year 2: $5100000 (Low: $3100000, High: $7200000)
Year 3: $5202000 (Low: $3180000, High: $7416000)
Year 5: $5510000 (Low: $3370000, High: $7852000)
Year 10: $6008000 (Low: $3670000, High: $8562000)
Year 100: $13000000 (Low: $6200000, High: $16800000)
Key Considerations
- Implementation logistics within Veterans Affairs facilities or through partnerships with local boxing gyms.
- Determining instructor qualifications and developing a curriculum tailored to Parkinson’s therapy needs.
- Estimating the number of participating veterans and their location-related costs like travel support.
- Program monitoring and evaluation methods to assess efficacy and improve delivery over time.