Effect of Immersive Virtual Reality Exergames in Patients With Parkinson's Disease

Effect of Cognitively Challenging Exergames Using Fully Immersive Virtual Reality in Patients With Parkinson's Disease: A Pilot Study

The study aimed to investigate the effect of applying cognitively challenging exergames using fully immersive virtual reality in patients with Parkinson's disease.

It has been reported that dual-task training involving both cognitive and physical functions helps improve walking speed during dual-task performance without increasing the fall risk in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Compared with conventional physical therapy, there are studies that dual-task training significantly improved walking speed and stride in PD patients. In addition, a systematic review study has been reported that it helps to improve balance and cognitive function when dual-task training is performed for patients with neurological diseases including Parkinson's disease.

Virtual reality is expected to promote functional recovery in patients with neurological disorders in terms of providing an enriched environment, goal-directed tasks and repetition, and inducing interest and motivation. Therefore, the study aimed to investigate the effect of applying cognitively challenging exergames using fully immersive virtual reality in patients with PD.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Clinically diagnosed as idiopathic Parkinson's disease
• Modified Hoehn & Yahr stage 2, 2.5, or 3

Exclusion Criteria:

• Moderate to severe cognitive dysfunction with Mini-mental State Examination score < 19
• Severe dyskinesia or severe on-off phenomenon
• Plan to adjust medication at the time of screening
• Other brain diseases such as stroke, brain tumor, etc
• History of seizure
• Vestibular disease or paroxysmal vertigo
• Other comorbidities that make it difficult to participate in this study