According to top charities, virtual reality may help relieve symptoms in Parkinson’s patients. Charities have been trialling the headsets at a gym in Teesside Airport near Darlington UK.
Twelve people have been using the headset and engaging in activities like visiting the Taj Mahal virtually.
Parkinson’s UK and other charities, such as Age UK, have been funding the trial. The idea came from a Parkinson’s patient diagnosed four years ago, Keith Wilson. He came up with it after riding several rollercoasters in the United States and has funded several headsets for the trial as well as running classes.
Currently, the trial has yet to produce any firm results on whether virtual reality can reduce symptoms of Parkinson’s; however, due to the adrenaline and dopamine effects of wearing such headsets, it is thought that the trial will positively impact patients with early results showing a boost in mood and levels of energy.
Likewise, patients have reported several positive effects of introducing virtual reality into the gym. These include increased motivation to exercise and greater freedom and enjoyment during workouts. While these benefits are anecdotal, they suggest that VR could be a valuable tool in managing Parkinson’s symptoms.
Overall, the impact of VR on Parkinson’s disease is yet to be decided. However, the current results outlined in the trial are promising and offer significant potential for managing the disease.
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