Parkinsons Recovery
Parkinsons Recovery
Video Gaming and Parkinson’s Disease
Video Gaming and Parkinson’s Disease
Video Gaming and Parkinson’s Disease
Wednesday 21st November 2012
Discover how video gaming can help manage Parkinson's disease symptoms with Dr. Nathan B. Herz's research on the Wii Gaming System.
54 minutes
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Holistic Health Innovations
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Get the buttons here!Gaming for Good: Dr. Nathan B. Herz on Using Video Games to Manage Parkinson's Disease
The Wii is a video game and we can somewhat classify it as a virtual environment when you look at it. When I started doing research, I started with OT and Parkinson's disease, and we used the Wii, which was the new video gaming system that came out in, where you actually did full motion where you played tennis.
Could playing video games actually help manage Parkinson's disease? It sounds unconventional, but Dr. Nathan B. Herz, a professor of occupational therapy at Georgia Health Sciences University, believes it can. In this episode of 'Pathways to Parkinson's Relief', Dr. Herz dives into his decade-long research on using the Wii Gaming System to aid those with Parkinson's. He discovered that the interactive nature of these games offers more than just entertainment—it can enhance sequencing, problem-solving, and fine motor skills. Dr.
Herz started his research with the idea that traditional therapies could be complemented by the engaging and dynamic world of video gaming. He focused on off-the-shelf games, particularly those involving full-motion activities like tennis, to see if they could make a difference. The results were promising: participants reported feeling better and noticed improvements in their symptoms. Funded by the National Parkinson Foundation, Dr. Herz's innovative approach has opened new doors for managing Parkinson's disease.
He emphasizes that having Parkinson's should not limit one's activities and that personalized gaming experiences can be incredibly effective. This episode is a must-listen for anyone affected by Parkinson's, offering a fresh perspective on symptom management and quality of life. Tune in to hear more about how video gaming could be a game-changer for Parkinson's patients, as Dr. Herz shares his findings and experiences.