Quality of life of people with Parkinson’s disease after treatment with non-immersive virtual reality

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the influence of treatment with non-immersive virtual reality games (VR) on the quality of life (QOL) of people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Methods: Uncontrolled clinical trial using 14 people with PD between stages I and IV of PD. Treatment with NIVR occurred for 6 months, 1 initial assessment and 2 quarterly re-evaluations. The instruments to measure the results were the Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39) and a Self-Perception of Performance Questionnaire. The treatment protocol used was Kinect® for Xbox 360, and the following games: Kinect Advenctures®, Your Shape: Fitness Evolved®, and Kinect Sports®. Statistical analysis of the PDQ-39 used the Wilcoxon test (p ≤ 0.05) while the Self-Perception of Performance Questionnaire was analyzed qualitatively for thematic content, identifying six categories. Results: There was a statistically significant difference after 3 months of treatment with the NIVR games in terms of mobility, emotional well-being, stigma, cognition, and total score of the PDQ-39. After 6 months of treatment the results were maintained, but no further gains. However, for a neurodegenerative disease this maintenance of gains is favorable for the functional prognosis of the patients. In the thematic categories, what stood out was an improvement of reports on mobility, activities of daily living, emotional well-being, stigma, and bodily discomfort. Conclusion: Treatment with NIVR benefits QOL of people with PD, especially including mobility, emotional well-being, stigma, and cognition