DOI: 10.1177/2161783x261485885 ISSN: 2161-783X

Effects of Virtual Reality Based Aerobic Exercise on Pulmonary Function and Cardiopulmonary Fitness in Parkinson’s Disease: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Aseel Aburub, Mohammad Z. Darabseh, Majed Hbahbih, Anwaar Amro, Zaid Muflih Riziq Alelaimat, Fadi Almasalha, Arar Al Tawil, Yasser Al-akdar, Csaba Melczer, Pongrác Ács
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Background:

Respiratory dysfunction in Parkinson’s Disease (PD) contributes to exercise intolerance and morbidity, yet video gaming-based aerobic exercise remains underexplored.

Method:

This single-blinded pilot Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) aimed to evaluate the effects of exergaming-based aerobic exercise using the Nintendo Wii Fit Plus platform (EG) program on pulmonary function, cardiopulmonary fitness, and dyspnea in 30 patients with PD (Hoehn and Yahr stages II to III) with respiratory impairment, randomized to a EG exercise group ( n = 15) or control group ( n = 15). Supervised aerobic training was conducted using the Wii Fit Plus platform, performed 3×/week for 12 weeks at 40%–70% of peak heart rate (HRpeak). Controls maintained usual activity. Primary outcomes were spirometry (forced vital capacity [FVC], forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV 1 ), FEV 1 /FVC ratio, and peak expiratory flow [PEF]). Secondary outcomes were peak oxygen uptake (VO 2 peak), HRpeak, Borg rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and dyspnea scale (mMRC). Outcomes were assessed at baseline and post-intervention using mixed-model repeated-measures Analysis of Variance (ANOVA).

Results:

The EG group showed significant group × improvements in FVC ( P = 0.018), FEV 1 ( P = 0.021), FEV 1 /FVC ( P = 0.039), PEF ( P = 0.011), VO 2 peak ( P = 0.004), dyspnea Borg RPE ( P = 0.006), and mMRC ( P = 0.028). While HRpeak showed no significant difference ( P = 0.071). Adherence to the EG program was high (92%), with no reported adverse events. EG-based aerobic exercise significantly improved pulmonary function, aerobic capacity, and perceived dyspnea in individuals with PD.

Conclusion:

Findings support the feasibility and potential clinical value for PD. Larger trials are warranted to confirm efficacy and long-term outcomes.

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