Objective: This study were designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a 12-week virtual reality exercise program involving the Nintendo Wii(Wii), in improving balance and quality of life among patients with Parkinson’s disease(PD).

Background: Postural instability is one of the most disabling features of idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (PD). In this study, we focused on postural instability as the main factor predisposing parkinsonians to falls and causing their quality of life to deteriorate.

Methods: The subjects were 50 individuals with PD. 25 patients were assigned to experimental group to engage an in three 40-minute Wii balance-training sessions per week, for 12 weeks, and 25 to control group. They were asked to complete questionnaires including verbal analogue scale (VAS), activities specific balancing confidence scale (ABC) and Parkinson’s Disease Quality of Life (PDQ39) Scale, fall index assessment before and after the intervention. Quantification of improvement was conducted utilizing Sensory Organization Test (SOT) of Computerized Dynamic Posturography (CDP). Statistical significance was tested in between the patients before and after treatment by ANOVA.

Results: There was a statistically significant improvement in scores of VAS, ABC, PDQ39, and fall index assessment results within the experimental group. The study showed a significant reduction in depression and anxiety after exercise therapy in experimental group measured with PDQ39 and BDI (p<0.001). Activities daily living (ADL) markedly improved after the all session of Wii interventions (p<0.001).

Conclusions: Virtual reality exercise program is a effective intervention therapy for treating imbalance, anxiety, and also improving qualities of life in patients with PD.

References: Hertz, N. B., Mehta, S., H., Sethi, K. D., Jackson, P., Hall, P., & Morgan, J. C. (2013). Nintendo Wii rehabilitation (“Wii-hab”) provides benefits in Parkinson’s disease. Parkinsonism and Related Disorders, 19: 1039-1042. Miller, C. A., Hayes, D. M., Dye, K., Johnson, C., & Meyers, J. (2012). Using the nintendo wii fit and body weight support to improve aerobic capacity, balance, gait ability, and fear of falling: Two case reports. Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy, 35(2), 95-104.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/a-virtual-reality-exercise-program-improves-the-balance-function-and-quality-of-life-of-patients-with-parkinsons-disease/