SL treatment for Parkinson's?

[Marybeth Cooperstone]

I don't know if there is anything to this or not. But let's hope there is:

http://nwn.blogs.com/nwn/2013/02/second-life-possible-parkinsons-therapy.html

"This is Fran, an 85 year old woman who plays Second Life as an avatar named Fran Seranade, and while that’s interesting in itself, many other senior citizens like her are known to be active in SL. Here is the truly extraordinary thing: For over 7 years, Fran has been afflicted with Parkinson’s Disease, a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system afflicting millions around the world, including actor Michael J. Fox and sports legend Muhammed Ali. In Fran’s case, Parkinson’s has made it difficult for her to stand from a sitting position, and maintain her balance while upright. But now Fran reports she’s gained significant recovery of physical movement -- as a direct consequence of her activity in Second Life."

It is worth following.

[AnnAdams]

Do you think that it will really work? I have a friend with Parkinson's, and I will e-mail the link to her. Do you have or know someone with that or similar disease?

[Marybeth Cooperstone]

We are constantly hearing about "cures" for diseases that never amount to anything. But it would be good if it worked. I do know that there is some serious research into the use of special video games to fight memory problems related to age, however. I hope that works also.

No, I do not have or know anyone who has Parkinson's or any similar disease.

[KarenMichelle Lane]

Marybeth,

This is a wonderful example of the power of positive visualization with SL serving as one of the stimuli. The article is well written and the comments from readers are very informative as well.

[Treasure Ballinger]

I'll forward this thread to Fran, and to her daughter, who is often in SL with her.  Perhaps they'll come in and respond themselves.   

 

[Barbie Alchemi]

I am the founder of Creations for Parkinson's. When my family observed that our mom regained some balance and strength through identifying with her avatar, we knew this was worthy of further study. We do not claim SL to be a cure for Parkinson's, however the benefits mom has gained have been permanent and she is continuing to slowly improve. These results are through using the power of visualizing her avatar without any physical movement, stretching or exercise. We were fortunate to meet Tredi Felisimo (Dr. Donna Davis) who is now studying this phenomenon which she calls the "Fran Effect". Not too long ago people laughed about the idea of a body mind connection. Now this is widely accepted and recognized. I believe we are on the cutting edge of using virtual reality to tap into our innate ability to use the healing powers of our own mind. Many people who are engaged in the SL community can identify ways that SL has changed their thinking and in some ways changed their lives for the better.

[Barbie Alchemi]

You can see the "Fran Effect" for yourself in this inspiring short video about the benefits of SL for my 86 "years young" RL Mom who has Parkinson's. This was voted Best Drax Video of 2013.

The Drax File: World Makers- Episode 13 Creations for Parkinsons
 

And please come visit our beautiful Creations Park sims.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Creations%20Park/151/90/24

[Treasure Ballinger]

Thanks Barbi; I could have expounded here but it's yours and your mom's story, and I felt you should tell it.  Dr. Donna, and Tom Boelstorff, and Gentle Heron (of Virtual Ability) were on a panel recently, at a disability conference in Denver where the Fran Effect was discussed at length.  It was streamed into SL, onto Virtual Ability Island; I was there in RL, but was also inworld, talking to Barbi in IM, it was a very exciting time for us all!  I'm glad someone asked about it, even though that's an old blog, it's still an exciting and ongoing concept.

[Marybeth Cooperstone]

Barbie,

Your mom will certainly be in my prayers. I hope the visualizing does have benefits, and I feel that it probably does - not just for Parkingson's but other things as well.

Marybeth