Nervous System - Parkinson's Disease
Simulation - Nervous System - THE UNSTABLE TRAY CHALLENGE
Parkinson’s disease is an incurable, chronic, and slowly progressing neurodegenerative disorder. It is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases in older adults, affecting approximately 10 million people worldwide. While the exact cause is unknown, Parkinson’s disease has been linked to a deficiency of dopamine caused by the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra region of the midbrain.
The key physical symptoms include pronounced tremors (shaking), muscle rigidity, and bradykinesia (slowness of movement). Each of these symptoms contributes to the impairment of muscle coordination, body movements, and balance in individuals with Parkinson’s disease. As the disease advances, health declines, increasing fall risk and later leading to cognitive decline, mood disorders, and dementia. Parkinson’s disease significantly impacts daily activities, reduces one’s independence, and lowers quality of life.
This simulation provides volunteers with meaningful insights into the daily challenges faced by individuals living with Parkinson’s by mimicking the hallmark symptoms – tremors, rigidity, and postural instability. This simulation aims to allow participants to understand both the physical and emotional strain experienced by those diagnosed, ultimately fostering greater empathy.
Simulation Video
Duration of simulation - 5 minutes.
Full Simulation Guide
Materials
- Timer (stopwatch, phone, digital clock)
- Backpack (wrist weights, bean bags tied around the forearms)
- Tray (book, cutting board, any hand-held flat surface)
- Ball (any round object, smaller one for more sensitivity; larger one for less sensitivity)
Procedure
- Ensure the backpack weight is challenging for the volunteer so they feel resistance. 2. Adjust the straps of the backpack so that it hangs on the volunteer’s forearms. 3. Hold the tray in front and place the ball at the centre of the tray.
- Set a timer of 2-3 minutes.
- Walk straight slowly, trying to keep the ball in the centre of the tray.
- Note any tremors, balance or muscle control difficulty.
- Log the volunteer’s performance.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways did the simulation impact your walking speed, posture, and overall coordination? How did this compare to when you were not experiencing impairments?
- How did this experience change your understanding of the physical and mental effort required for individuals with Parkinson’s disease to complete daily tasks?
- How do you think these mobility impairments would affect an older adult’s ability to complete daily activities? What challenges might they face, and what support could help them?
Testimonials
Simulation - Nervous System - FIGHT THE RESISTANCE
Parkinson’s is a chronic, slow-progressing disease that is the most common neurological movement disease in older adults involving abnormal movements. The disease is caused by a lack of neurotransmitter dopamine production and sensitivity amongst receptors in the brain. Lack of dopamine activity contributes to uncoordinated muscle movements throughout the body. (1)
Symptoms of Parkinson’s include pronounced tremors, muscle rigidity and slowness of movement, in which standing, walking and balance are impaired. Other common symptoms include falls, drooling and difficulty swallowing. Psychological symptoms can include depression, anxiety, social withdrawal, sleep disturbances, and emotional irritability. (1)
Through this simulation, you will experience one of the major physical symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, muscle rigidity. It will help you will gain a deeper understanding of the physical and emotional strain that this disease can have on those diagnosed, ultimately improving understand and evoking a greater sense of empathy.
Simulation Video
Duration of simulation - 5 minutes.
Full Simulation Guide
Materials
- • Resistance band, rope, or a piece of elastic fabric (a scarf)
- • A volunteer assistant to tug on your arm (a family member, friend, housemate)
- • A writing utensil (a pen, pencil, or marker)
- • Something to write on (paper, whiteboard)
Procedure
- Complete the precursor simulations if you have not already done so.
- Start by placing all items on a table before you.
- Ask your volunteer assistant to wrap the resistance band around your writing arm. If you do not have a volunteer, tie the band to a chair behind you to simulate similar resistance.
- Instruct the volunteer to pull slightly and unexpectedly to simulate rigidity of movement.
- Attempt to write the grocery list below while the volunteer is pulling your arm with the resistance band.
- Milk
- Bananas
- Chocolate Chips
- Broccoli
- Pasta
- Chicken
Reflection Questions
- Which part of this simulation did you find the most challenging?
- This simulation was only a few minutes long. How would you feel if you lived with tremors all the time?
- What other activities in your life would be impacted if you had to live with tremors of Parkinson’s disease?
