Connecting with Kinect(R) To Improve Motor and Gait Function in Parkinson Disease (P01.176)

Abstract

Objective: To investigate whether the Xbox Kinect® system provides benefit in reducing motor abnormalities of Parkinson Disease (PD) Background Recent studies suggest patients with PD benefit from enhanced physical activity and exercise, including Tai Chi, Qi Kong, Yoga and others. We previously explored the effect of large amplitude exercise and Nintendo Wii ® in Parkinson Disease (PD) and found it to be effective in reducing motor symptoms in PD. The Xbox Kinect® system provides a similar platform for exercise, but without need of external controllers. We investigated whether use of this system would provide similar benefits for PD patients. Design/Methods: Prospective case series. We randomly selected 12 PD patients who enrolled in the Xbox Kinect ® game exercise program; exercises included aquarium, trackf week #8: 1-10/9-38 (average 7.3/23.9). Mean improvement on UPDRS II/III: 21%/20% [week #4] and 45%/32% [week #8]. Baseline TGB score ranged 16-25 (average 19.5). TGB scores following treatment: week #4: 15-26 (average 20.6); week #8: 8-28 (average 24.4). Mean improvement on TGB: 2% [week #4] and 20% [week #8]. Conclusions: In our study, motor abnormalities and gait dysfunction improved in participants utilizing Xbox Kinect® exercise as demonstrated by improvements in UPDRS and TGB endpoints. Disclosure: Dr. Alvarez has received personal compensation for activities with Teva Neuroscience, Pfizer Inc, and USWorldMeds as a speaker and/or consultant. Dr. Grogan has received personal compensation for activities with Pfizer Inc. and US Worldmeds as a speaker.