Technology Can Help Manage Chronic Conditions

Researchers are focusing more and more on ways that video game technology can be used for various purposes, from rehabilitation to preventive medicine.

Improvements in technology are one way that healthcare costs can be brought under control in the future, especially when it comes to preventing serious and chronic conditions that require more treatment and cost health insurance companies more money.

With that in mind, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation recently announced that it is providing $1.85 million in grants for research on digital games and the effects they can have on various health behaviors and outcomes.

Some examples include using the game Dance Dance Revolution to help patients with Parksinson's Disease develop better balance, and using Wii Active to help overweight people get more exercise.

"The pace of growth and innovation in digital games is incredible, and we see tremendous potential to design them to help people stay healthy or manage chronic conditions like diabetes or Parkinson’s disease. However, we need to know more about what works and what does not - and why," said Paul Tarini of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.