FED: Parkinson's suffers playing their way to better health

AAP General News (Australia)
02-10-2009
FED: Parkinson's suffers playing their way to better health

By Danny Rose, Medical Writer

SYDNEY, Feb 10 AAP - Parkinson's disease sufferers who play computer games have "fun",
says an Australian professor who now wants to see whether they can also improve how sure
they are on their feet.

A group of seven older people with and without the degenerative condition took part
in a NSW pilot project, and they were put through an almost daily regime of playing the
Nintendo Wii.

The home entertainment device is controlled through arm movements, while a Wii Fit
"board" was also added requiring the seated users to interact with on-screen objects using
their feet.

Southern Cross University Associate Professor Rick van der Zwan said the initial findings
were positive, as it showed the older people were prepared to embrace an unfamiliar technology.

"Lots of older people when you talk to them about computer games they think about shooting
up spaceships ... they're not so interested," Dr van der Zwan says.

"They are quite prepared to try it as a therapy or potential form of treatment, but
when they do they are quite surprised.

"They find it fun ... not a chore like taking your blood pressure, it becomes an engaging
part of their routine and that's exactly what we want."

People with Parkinson's disease develop it in their 50s and 60s and it affects coordination
and vision. They suffer falls at nine times the rate of those without the condition.

Dr van der Zwan said computer games could offer these people a safe and enjoyable way
to boost their activity levels without leaving their home, or even their chair.

He is now seeking to recruit 15 or so more research participants to broaden the study
and allow a detailed examination of the expected health benefits, such as improvements
in core body strength and posture.

"If this turns out to be a good thing, for people in rural and remote locations in
particular, it could provide them with a mechanism for treating themselves, to help keep
them on their feet," Dr van der Zwan says.

The study is open to people in Sydney and Coffs Harbour but also those in rural NSW.

Those interested can call 02 6659 3306.

AAP dr/it/de

KEYWORD: PARKINSONS

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