Objective: This study was to investigate the effectiveness of a 12-week virtual reality(VR) exercise program designed around low-cost VR device, the Sony PlayStation 2 (PS2) gaming platform, in improving balance, emotion and quality of life among patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Background: Many old patients live with physical functional limitations stemming from PD. These functional limitations can be reduced by task-specific training that is repetitive, motivating, and augmented with feedback. Virtual reality exercise treatments that provide feedback, increase practice with multiple repetitions, and motivate patients are reported to be effective in exercise therapy on these handicapped patients.

Method: Thirty participants with idiopathic PD were randomly assigned to a gaming group or normal activity control group. PS2 gaming systems provided participants with an interactive interface of real-time movement of either themselves or an avatar on the screen. Participants played games 50-60 minutes/day, 3 days/week, for 12 weeks. The intervention was strictly game-play, in standing position, without physical therapy. The control group received no special intervention and continued with normal activity. Both groups were tested prior to, and following the completion of the study. The Berg Balance Scale(BBS) were used to assess balance abilities. Quantification of improvement was conducted utilizing static posturography and Sensory Organization Test (SOT) of Computerized Dynamic Posturography (CDP). Statistical significance was tested in between the patients before and after treatment by t-test, Wilcoxon signed rank test and Wilcoxon rank sum test.

Results: After 36 training sessions, there were significant beneficial effects of the virtual reality game exercise on balance(BBS). The trained patients showed a significant improvement in the follow-up CDP (p<.05). On the other hand, no significant difference was observed within the control groups.

Conclusion: These findings demonstrated that the PS2 gaming program could improve the outcomes in terms of balance, depression and quality of life in patients with PD. A low-cost PS2 VR gaming system was easily used in the home. In the future it may be used to improve motion, balance and quality of life as an adjunct to standard care physical therapy.

References: [1] Rand D, Kizony R, Weiss PT. The Sony PlayStation II EyeToy: low-cost virtual reality for use in rehabilitation. J Neurol Phys Ther. 2008 Dec;32(4):155-63.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/effects-of-virtual-reality-exercise-program-using-the-sony-playstation-2-gaming-platform-on-balance-emotion-and-quality-of-life-in-patients-with-parkinsons-disease/