Virtual reality videogames can help improve hand function and forearm bone health in teens with hemiplegic cerebral palsy, reports Science Daily, describing the results of a study that may offer hope to sufferers of other illnesses and injuries that affect movement, such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, arthritis and orthopedic injuries affecting the arm or hand. Word is:

The researchers also reported that improved hand function appears to be reflected in brain activity changes as seen on functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans.

The three study participants were asked to exercise the affected hand about 30 minutes a day, five days a week using a specially fitted sensor glove linked to a remotely monitored videogame console installed in their home. Games, such as one making images appear ("sliders") were custom developed at Rutgers, calibrated to the individual teen's hand functionality, included a screen avatar of the hand, and focused on improvement of whole hand function.