The Active Video Game Market has provided many awesome tools for improving your function and fitness. Several games are ideal for fighting Parkinson's disease or age-related slowing (if your partner is a geezer).I cannot recommend the best game for you without knowing more about you, your symptoms, fitness status and goals but I can explain the features of some of my favorite game options. Here, I am reviewing a game in the Wii Sports Resort called Speed Slice.
Speed Slice Video: This video shows how to get to the game in Wii and what it looks like.
Precautions:
Fall Risk & Balance Training: Especially if you have balance impairments, you should make sure that you have created a safe exercise environment. Remove all tripping hazards from your exercise space and place a stable chair or other piece of furniture nearby so that you can grasp it when needed. You might also consider whether it is best for you to play this game while seated or standing -- or maybe while standing on one leg if you seek Samurai status. Challenging your stability is the way to improve your balance but you need to do so safely.
Shoulder Stability and Getting Carried Away: I learned this the hard way. This game is fun and sometimes I get competitive. The day after I explored this game I had really sore shoulders. Ease into this game to prevent soreness and injury.
You don't have to walk towards the TV screen to do well: Some people get so involved that they approach the screen without knowing it. There are legitimate reasons to attack your television with a sword but this is not one of them.
Why do I recommend this game?
- It is speed based: This game directly attacks some of the symptoms of Parkinson's disease and age-related slowing. It is a tool to improve your a) ability to make fast decisions, b) reaction time, c) movement speed. These abilities are important in driving a car safely, among other things.
- It trains your balance: You can enjoy this game while sitting or standing and you can creatively modify it to challenge your balance. The slicing movement requires a coordianteed movement of your arms and trunk and your whole body needs to be prepared for these fast movements to prevent a fall. Other ways to train these higher level abilities include boxing, partner dancing, throwing/catching, and exercise with battle ropes and other training aids.
- Ease into this game slowly. Try it briefly on day one and then increase your vigor as long as you don't experience pain or soreness.
- Keep track of your scores using the Wii game system or a notebook and pencil. Keep it simple.
- Study the ways of the Samurai and pursue perfection. Pay attention to a stable foundation and maintain your best posture. Work on two- handed slices. Use the abdominal breathing that you learned in Tai Chi classes.
- Put Speed Slice on your calendar with recovery days in between at first. Consider using the game in the morning and see if it awakens your nervous system.
- Don't get discouraged - If this game is too challenging for you, continue to seek ideas from your health care providers and fitness professionals.
Find the Scientific Support Here: Link to PubMed Search
