Virtual and Board Games as Therapeutic Resources for Upper Limb Functionality in Parkinson’s Disease: A Pilot Study

To analyze and compare the effects of non-immersive virtual reality games with board games on upper limb functionality in individuals with Parkinson's disease. Twenty subjects with Parkinson's disease (Hoehn & Yahr 2-3) were randomized into a virtual reality group (n=10) or a board games group (n=10) for 30-minute sessions, twice weekly for 8 weeks. The primary outcome was activities of daily living, measured by the TEMPA test. Secondary outcomes included manual dexterity (Box and Block Test and Nine-Hole Peg Test), motor aspects (Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Part III), grip strength and endurance (handgrip dynamometry), and quality of life (Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire-39). Regarding the primary outcome, both groups significantly improved their performance in activities of daily living. For the secondary outcomes, both groups showed similar improvements in motor aspects (Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Part III), gross manual dexterity (Box and Block Test), and quality of life (Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire-39). A significant intergroup difference was found only in fine manual dexterity (Nine-Hole Peg Test), where the virtual reality group showed superior improvement with the left hand compared to the board games group. Both virtual reality and board games effectively improve performance in daily activities, motor symptoms, and quality of life for individuals with Parkinson's disease. However, virtual reality demonstrates a specific advantage over board games in enhancing fine motor dexterity of the left hand.