“Combining a 12-week program of virtual reality (VR) training and motor imagery exercises with standard physical therapy (PT) significantly lessened motor symptoms — including tremors, slow movements (bradykinesia), and postural instability — among people with Parkinson’s disease, according to a recent study.”
“‘To the best of our knowledge, this is the first trial to show the effects of … virtual games and [motor imagery] along with routine PT on the components of motor function such as tremors, posture, gait, body bradykinesia, and postural instability in [Parkinson’s disease] patients,’ the researchers wrote.”
“Recent evidence suggests that virtual reality training — using video game systems — may be a highly effective supplement to physical therapy, with the ability to improve motor learning and brain function. VR training also has been shown to boost attention, self-esteem, and motivation, as well as increase levels of the brain’s reward chemical, dopamine, which may increase the likelihood of participation and therapy adherence.”
“Motor imagery training, known as MI, is a process in which participants imagine themselves performing a movement without actually moving or tensing the muscles involved in the movement. It is thought that such activity strengthens the brain’s motor cortex, and also may be a promising therapeutic approach in Parkinson’s.”
“Now, a team of researchers in Pakistan examined whether a combined approach of VR and MI could lessen disease symptoms in people with Parkinson’s. Patients ages 50 to 80, with idiopathic Parkinson’s — whose disease is of unknown cause — were recruited from the Safi Hospital in Faisalabad.”
“Despite also being limited by a small sample size, the results overall suggest that VR together with MI training and routine physical therapy ‘might be the most effective in treating older adults with mild-to-moderate [Parkinson’s disease] stages,’ researchers concluded.”