Game Gallery Amusements

A new study turned a research lab into a video arcade, with stroke patients playing virtual reality games for treatment.Traditional stroke rehabilitation includes physical therapy and electrical stimulation. While this method can be successful, a new study shows playing virtual reality games can significantly improve brain and motor function in stroke patients.Video produced for the American Stroke Association shows patients undergoing virtual reality training, where they are in a constant state of motion. M.R.I. scans showed substantial brain recovery in the patients playing the games, and all were able to walk on their own after treatment.More studies need to be done before this treatment becomes more widely available. However, researchers note they had no trouble motivating patients to come in for therapy.The study tested 10 patients who had suffered a stroke at least a year before the study. All of patients had weakness on one side of their body. Half had virtual reality training while the control group did not receive any intervention.Patients underwent virtual reality therapy an hour a day, five days a week for a month. The video games played tested patients range of motion, balance, mobility, stepping and ambulation skills. The study was published in Stroke: Journal of the American Heart Association.