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Humans have evolved to learn motor skills through play, which is why games have been used by cultures throughout history to develop these abilities. Building on this concept, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Dr. David PW Rastall, is collaborating with other world-leading neurologists, neuroscientists, and game developers to create therapeutic video games with the potential to revolutionize healing.
Rehabilitation exercises are a cornerstone of neurology, proven to slow the progression of certain diseases and even reverse others. Yet patients with similar conditions often see vastly different results. Our cutting-edge research reveals that this disparity could be attributed to what we call the "neuroanatomy of fun." Engaging in enjoyable activities has been shown to "supercharge" neuroplasticity, speeding up the formation of neural connections. Games offer patients a sense of agency in their recovery, empowering them as active participants in their therapy. This increases both engagement and motivation, transforming the recovery process.
With your partnership, Dr. Rastall and his colleagues, will have the necessary resources to trial an augmented reality game specifically designed to help ALS patients.
This game aims to improve motor control by linking the experience to the brain's "fun circuit." This study will be a cross-over trial, meaning all participants will have access to the game at different stages, ensuring that everyone benefits during and after the trial. We will primarily focus on how engaged patients are with their recovery activities and how their mood and outlook toward their disease and recovery change. We'll also look at improvements in their ability to control their movements.
Our $1.5 million goal is ambitious, but this research could have an immediate and profound impact on ALS treatment.
Your support will help bring this innovative trial to life through BIOS, one of the largest and most successful clinical trial programs available exclusively at Johns Hopkins.
Please consider making a gift and join us in transforming the future of neurodegenerative care!
For questions about giving or more information, please contact Gina Scalise at gscalis1@jhmi.edu.
