(COLUMBUS, Ohio) – In an effort to increase the number of patients who are allowed take part in clinical trials for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, experts at Nationwide Children’s Hospital have developed an innovative video game. “The object of the game is to use your arms and hands to ward off attacking aliens, but the benefits of this game could be far-reaching,” said Linda Lowes, PhD, co-developer of the game. “This approach allows us to accurately and consistently track the upper body abilities of these patients, which we’re hoping will make more of them eligible for medical studies,” she said.
Currently, the FDA only allows patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy to participate in clinical trials if they can pass a six-minute walk test. “The problem is, that excludes most of these patients, many of whom are teenage boys who are confined to wheelchairs” said Lindsay Alfano, a physical therapist and co-creator of the game. “We think they could add a lot to clinical trials, and possibly get a lot from them, if only they were allowed to participate,” she said.
A new study underscores the effectiveness of the video game approach, information experts are hoping to share with the FDA.
