Introduction
This is the account of Keith Wilson in Darlington. Keith lives with Parkinson's disease and has long sought to manage his condition through being physically active. He has recently identified, and is now sharing, the positive impacts of using Virtual Reality Headsets to access exciting activity. His resultant endorphin and dopamine boost really supports his wellbeing and negates the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
What happened?
This is a result of Keith refusing to be defeated. He has used physical activity and adventure to support his wellbeing after (and before) being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. He used virtual headsets when visiting family in America. He found their impact immmediate and significant. A session on 'Rollercoasters' results in improved motor skills and clearer speech. This is a result of the adrenaline and endorphines that the body releases in response to the activity and situation.
Keith has made this happen, with support from others, and is now enabling other people living with Parkinson's disease to access the kit and see if it helps them.
Who was involved?
Keith Wilson
Victoria McFaull (Fitness adviser and deliverer)
Tees Valley Sport to support with impact and promotion.
Parkinson's UK
When?
An initial 8 week programme open to people living with Parkinson's disease. This is led by Victoria McFaull at her facilities at Vixi Wellbeing. The class is a mixture of traditional supported physical activity and use of the headsets to enable access to a variety of wonderful experiences. (Roller coaster rides, climbing experience, visiting the wonders of the world........)
Keith feels that once other people become aufait with the technology and start to realise the benefits they will invest in their own software and tech.
Where?
This is a mixture of real life traditional activity (adapted for people with Parkinson's) and supported use of virtual reality headsets to give people access to weird, wonderful and otherwise inaccessible activities. Sessions take place at Vixi Wellbeing Fitness Centre.
How?
Keith Wilson has been the driving force behind this project. A group of partners initially raised a bid to Parkinson's UK to deliver the programme. This was not successful. Undeterred, Keith set about Crowdfunding, fund raising and sourcing support to make the programme happen.
Keith's unerring belief in the value of PA in combatting his symptoms is inspirational.
The sessions are now being promoted locally and a first session held attracted 8 participants.
TVS are doing some work to capture the programme and help to share the concept and to demonstrate impact.
Why?
It was felt necessary because Keith has been so keen to share his positive experiences and to help others experience the positive benefits that he has. He felt time is against him so did not want to go an academic route, he wanted to get some thing up and running so people could see and feel the gains for themselves. It is necessary because it is not available elsewhere.
So?
The programme has been running for 2 weeks now and as well as supporting the participants there has been an escalating amount of media interest. TVS are in the process of finishing a short film which will be shared through the Active Partnerships Network, The Northern Echo have scheduled a visit to the programme and ITV Regional have set a date to do some filming. This coverage will help to grow interest and possibly lead to academic research which could support the move toward clinical signposting for the activity. There may also be communIcation with META for them to realise this diverse use of their product.
The impact, upon participants, will mainly be tracked through self reporting. As it is a small group and Parkinson's disease is progressive and non consistent, more clinical physical measure may not be valid. It will be interesting to consider the short lived positive physical impacts and the more sustained social / emotional benefits.
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