Parkinson's Disease (PD) impairs the motor control system of the brain, with respect to walking, talking and simple, everyday tasks. As the disease progresses, the symptoms become more pronounced and these tasks become more difficult. Currently there is no cure for PD. Prescribed medication can provide some relief from the symptoms. In 2008, Dr. Ben Herz, of the Medical College of Georgia, pioneered a research study of 20 Parkinson's patients and found significant improvements in their symptoms after using a Nintendo Wii.
Wii Therapy
From the findings of Dr. Herz, the Wii game system has produced dramatic improvements in the symptoms of PD. Herz states that these improvements are due to an increased production of dopamine due to the stimulation of the games. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that Parkinson's patients lack. "The games require visual perception, eye-hand coordination, figure-ground relationships and sequenced movement, so it's a huge treatment tool from an occupational therapy perspective," says Dr. Herz.
Not Just Physical
Wii therapy not only improved upon patients' rigidity, movement, fine motor skills and energy levels, but more surprisingly, decreased depression. Most of the patients in Dr. Herz study found that their depression levels decreased to zero following Wii therapy. "The Wii allows patients to work in a virtual environment that's safe, fun, and motivational," says Herz.
Wii Balance Board
Because standing balance is a large detriment of PD patients, a 2009 study published in "Gait and Posture" focused on the validity and reliability of the Wii Balance Board (WBB). The findings suggest that the WBB is a valid tool to assess standing balance. These findings give the Wii system more credibility as a means of therapy for patients suffering from PD.
Muti Therapy
Parkinson's Disease affects each person differently, so the therapy must be individualized. A therapist can use the Nintendo Wii to work on balance issues for one patient or motor control issues for another. With the diverse selection of games to choose from, the Wii is a multi-therapy tool. Although there are still no long-term results confirming that Wii therapy is beneficial for Parkinson's patients, Dr. Herz feels that video games and the virtual world are the future of therapy.
