Wii Makes For The Most Fun Parkinson's Occupational Therapy Ever

(suntimes) -- Parkinson’s disease affects daily tasks that people take for granted. Brushing teeth, getting out of bed and walking become a problem for these patients because of dopamine depletion, which results in stiffness or slowing of movement and fine motor dysfunction.

While occupational therapy is frequently used in the comprehensive care of Parkinson’s patients, evidence is needed to support its short- or long-term effectiveness, says says Dr. Ben Herz, assistant professor of occupational therapy in the School of Allied Health Sciences at Medical College of Georgia.

Toward that end, 30 Parkinson’s disease patients have been participating in a study to determine if occupational therapy enhances the treatment of the disease - and they are using a Nintendo Wii to do it. full story