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Using Virtual Reality for PD Exercise
I recently came across an article published in the Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation dealing with virtual reality and PD patients. (URL below)
https://jneuroengrehab.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12984-024-01399-6
I have been using the VR game “Beat Saber” as a component of my exercises. But, I had not come across anyone who could confirm that Beat Saber is an ideal exercise for PD patients, so I wrote to the authors of the article. Below is their reply:
“Unfortunately, I have no knowledge of any scientific research that has studied the effects of Beat Saber on Parkinson’s Disease. However, I am well-acquainted with the game, having tried it personally. I believe it is an excellent choice for the rehabilitation of complex motor-cognitive situations, as it requires precise upper body movements combined with balance and dodging mechanics, all while performing an attentive cognitive task. It is also an entertaining and motivational training modality, which is well-suited to Parkinsons Disease rehabilitation. So, even though no scientific research has been conducted (to my knowledge) on the specific effects Beat Saber may have on the rehabilitation of Dual Tasking in Parkinsons Disease, I personally believe it meets all the criteria necessary for effective technological rehabilitation in this context.
I hope I have addressed your concerns regarding this topic.
Kind regards,
Pere Bosch-Barceló
As more patients become familiar with virtual reality, this information might turn out to be valuable. If any of you have been using Beat Saber as part of your exercises, how has it been going for you?
jneuroengrehab.biomedcentral.com
Background Treadmill gait training has been shown to improve gait performance in People with Parkinson’s Disease (PwPD), and in combination with Virtual Reality, it can be an effective tool for gait rehabilitation. The addition of gamification elements can create a … Continue reading
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7 Replies
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I was working with a Phys Therapist who had trained to do boxing similar to Rock Steady. Unfortunately we moved and I was without that therapy being available. I found a VR substitute using the Oculus headset called FITXR and it has boxing as well as other exercises, quite fun and gets you moving. I also like Beat Saber and find it involves less cardio but more eye hand coordination. Both are excellent in my opinion.
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I’ve heard great things about Rock Steady boxing, but it’s awesome that you found a VR alternative with FITXR that works for you. Beat Saber is a blast too! Have you noticed any improvements in your symptoms or overall fitness since starting with the VR exercises?
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I’ve seen Beat Saber before, but I’ve never actually thought of it that way, wow
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That’s fascinating! I’ve heard about the potential benefits of virtual reality for PD exercise, but I haven’t tried it myself. It’s great that you’ve been using Beat Saber as part of your exercises and got a positive response from the article’s author. The combination of precise upper body movements, balance, and cognitive tasks sounds like a great way to challenge and improve motor-cognitive skills.
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My wife’s PT introduced her to Beat Sabre and we will be acquiring a Meta Quest during black Friday / cyber Monday sales and getting a subscription to FITXR which includes similar activities plus boxing and other exercises
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You can find a study about Parkinson’s and Beat Saber at https://wakespace.lib.wfu.edu/bitstream/handle/10339/96826/RUHF_wfu_0248M_11494.pdf
As I mentioned in a previous reply (which seems to have disappeared), I’ve created a website discussing and rating VR apps and devices for PD patients, and it’s at vrpd.info
Please check it out and send me any comments or questions.
MXrich
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Interesting and well done (better than my Thesis study for my MA in Communications)
And yet it’s so small and the trial so short… Participant selection, control group issues… Not “clinical” enough to even be directive…… And not peer reviewed by professionals… But, certainly encouraging and interesting. Thanks for sharing!
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