Parkinson's disease: game play eases symptoms
10 July 2009
Computer games such as Wii-fit have already staked their claim in the fitness market but their potential medical applications continue to grow.
The popular Nintendo Wii computer game console simulates various sports and activities, such as swinging a tennis racquet and throwing a ball, by responding to the player’s movements.
Now, US researchers say the Wii could be used to improve coordination, reflexes and other movement-related skills in Parkinson’s disease.
In an 8-week pilot study, 20 patients with Parkinson’s disease spent an hour playing the Wii 3 times a week. The patients were affected on both sides of their body by Parkinson’s disease but were without significant disturbance in their gait (pattern of walking).
The study showed patients had significant improvements in rigidity (muscle stiffness), fine motor skills and energy levels.
Lead researcher Dr Ben Herz said the depression levels of most patients in the study fell to almost zero, a finding he attributed to increased production of dopamine, which has been shown in other studies to be independently increased by exercise and video games. (People with Parkinson’s disease have degeneration of the nerve cells in the brain that normally produce dopamine — a neurotransmitter, or chemical messenger.)
Dr Herz presented the findings, which were funded by the US National Parkinson Foundation, at the recent Games for Health Conference in Boston.
Last Reviewed: 10 July 2009
