Intelligent Health.tech Issue 14 | Page 18

H E A L T H I N S I G H T S

cancer is known as the most common cancer in women globally , with nearly 2.3 million women diagnosed in 2020 . As breast cancer patients experience similar physical and mental consequences of the treatment , Virtual Reality could also benefit them .

Most cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy have reported symptoms like depression , fatigue and pain while the chemotherapy treatment is underway . However , it is suggested that successful cancer treatment depends significantly on patient psychology and clinical therapy .

Previously published research clearly indicates a positive link between the continuous wellbeing of the patient during treatment and successful recovery from chemotherapy .

Over the past decade , advanced Virtual Reality ( VR ) tools have become an integral part of physical therapy and clinical trials for Parkinson ’ s disease . In a more recent trend , an increasing number of individuals living with Parkinson ’ s have embraced VR technology to expand their social interactions , engage in exercise and even elevate their mindfulness and meditation practices . Remarkably , some , like the accomplished musician Nenad Bach , have reported tangible improvements in their Parkinson ’ s symptoms using VR technology .

In 2019 , control groups were set up using patients who have Parkinson ’ s disease . The Timed Up and Go Test , Unified Parkinson ’ s Disease Rating Scale , Berg Balance Scale and Functional Gait Assessment were used to measure the groups ’ improvements . While the balance and gait of both research groups improved , the group using Virtual Reality had noticeably more improvements ,

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