Neurological Awareness
A Starting Point: The Park Bench and a Hopeful Perspective
As he does every morning, Mr. Mustafa is resting on the bench in the corner of the park. His hands have borne a restless tremor for years. Sometimes he counts his steps, sometimes he tries to find his balance. But there is something different now; hope is shining clearly in his eyes. For weeks, a virtual reality (VR) application he’s joined has been reminding him of the movements he once enjoyed. Activities like “running” or “skateboarding again”—which he could previously only imagine—are now possible in the virtual world. The peace of having taken a step forward despite the barriers brought by the disease is like no other.
Parkinson’s Disease: A Life-Altering Reality
Parkinson’s disease affects more than 10 million people worldwide. In our country, the prevalence is around 1% in people over the age of 60.Source It typically progresses with movement disorders—tremor, stiffness, slowness, and balance problems—which significantly reduce patients’ quality of life. Moreover, the challenges aren’t solely physical: Many patients and their loved ones also battle social isolation, loss of self-confidence, and depression.
Traditional rehabilitation practices—physical therapy, medications, speech exercises—are certainly helpful. However, Parkinson’s patients often avoid stepping even on flat surfaces, and many gradually withdraw from social activities. But what about new technologies? This is where virtual reality applications emerge as promising agents of change.
Virtual Reality and Rehabilitation: Making Imagination Real
Virtual reality (VR) is a digital technology that allows users to interact within computer-generated three-dimensional environments. Using a headset (VR goggles) or hand sensors, experiences that aren’t possible in real life become feasible. In recent years, VR applications have shown remarkable success, especially in the treatment and rehabilitation of neurological conditions.
Improving patients’ balance and motor skills
Supporting cognitive processes (attention, memory)
Enhancing psychological well-being
Maintaining motivation and fostering socialization
These are only a few of the ways virtual reality contributes to Parkinson’s patients in “regaining their lives.”
Virtual Reality in Parkinson’s: Scientific Foundations and Evidence
Studies on the effects of VR technology in Parkinson’s rehabilitation have yielded promising results. In a 2019 meta-analysis published in Frontiers in Neurology, 21 randomized controlled trials involving over 500 Parkinson’s patients found that VR applications achieved greater improvements in balance, walking, and daily activity capacity compared to traditional physiotherapy.
In patients rehabilitated with VR, fall risk decreased by up to 25%.Source
Numerous studies show that VR therapy increases motivation by 35%. Fun, interactive, and peer-like exercises boost patient participation.
VR environments provide unique opportunities for motor learning, neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to reorganize itself), and disciplined repetition, supporting the brain’s movement relearning mechanisms.
In Which Areas Are Virtual Reality Applications Used?
Walking and Balance Exercises: Practices such as crossing the street, navigating obstacles, or stepping along a virtual path strengthen muscle memory and build confidence.
Cognitive and Sensory Exercises: Applications like color and shape matching, memory games, and rhythmic tapping not only improve movement, but also enhance cognitive capacity.
Hand-Eye Coordination: Simulations involving object tracking, catching, or throwing help patients progress in fine motor skills.
Virtual Social Interaction: Multiplayer VR sessions aiming to reduce patients’ social isolation help revitalize interpersonal communication.
An Example of Application: The Story of Happiness and Change
Mrs. Sibel, 58, has been striving to find her “old self” since her diagnosis. During the virtual reality sessions she started with her clinical team, she was unable to hold back her tears when she first tried the flower planting game—an activity reminiscent of her time gardening, which she once loved. Designed to strengthen hand positioning, wrist movements, and balance, this game became much more than a treatment method; it made her feel “alive” again.
This emotional aspect of VR applications cannot be separated from scientific outcomes. The healing power of motivation, hope, and social connection in treatment and rehabilitation has become increasingly clear each day.
What Does Science Say? Evidence from Research Results
Study | Scope | Findings | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
40 Parkinson’s patients, walking exercise with VR | Significant increase in walking distance and dual-task performance | 2018 | |
Randomized study, balance and fall risk | 21% lower fall risk in VR exercised group | 2019 | |
Home VR application, 3-month follow-up | Increased physical capacity and motivation, no complications | 2021 |
Safety, Side Effects, and Limitations
Although virtual reality applications offer promising outcomes, they may not be suitable for every patient. Side effects such as dizziness, nausea, or visual perception disorders may occur in a small group. Additionally, approval from neurology and physical therapy teams is compulsory before use in patients with advanced muscle restrictions, visual, or balance problems.
Moreover, the cost of VR goggles and equipment, ease of access, or need for training remain concerns for some users. Numerous studies emphasize that the best results are achieved with professional team support, personalized programs, and technologies that facilitate home monitoring.
Access to Virtual Reality in Turkey and Worldwide
Access to virtual reality applications is more common in developed countries. In North America and Europe, many university hospitals and private centers offer VR-supported rehabilitation. Low-cost VR goggles compatible with smartphones enable the technology to become accessible at home.Source
In Turkey, private hospitals, some neurology clinics, and universities run pilot schemes. Moreover, the widespread adoption of “telehealth” and home care technologies following COVID-19 has paved the way for VR applications to be used at the bedside.
Note for Caregivers: Hope, Support, and Progress Together
Parkinson’s is a test for the entire family, not just the individual. Participating in VR exercises at home, trying out a new game together, or discussing experiences at the end of sessions can boost the motivation of both patients and their loved ones. Sometimes, virtual support is just as important as a “real touch.” Building hope together is also a part of treatment.
“Technology can be a tool, but treatment always lies in humanity. We heal by embracing life, each other, and innovation.”
A Look to the Future: The Growing Role of Virtual Reality in Parkinson’s Treatment
Recent research has shown that VR applications offer a complementary and innovative treatment field for motor and non-motor disorders commonly seen in Parkinson’s disease, compared with traditional approaches. From memory to emotion, from balance to social interaction, patients rediscover their own potential across a wide spectrum.
In conclusion: Virtual reality is much more than a headline: it’s a modern key to looking at life and movement with renewed hope, to standing tall, and to being able to say “I am here.” At the intersection of scientific progress and human touch, it promises a new beginning for Parkinson’s patients.
References
Bir Sonraki Okuma
