Motivation for movement focused therapies in a metaVerse for Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD), the second-most prevalent neurodegenerative disease globally, is characterised by a range of motor and non-motor symptoms that affect function, independence and quality of life. Despite the known benefits of exercise and physical activity, research has found that people living with Parkinson’s disease are often less active and lonelier than the general population. To motivate exercise participation, access to options that are beneficial, enjoyable, inclusive and social are needed. However, barriers such as location, time constraints, resource challenges and a lack of transport or support can impede participation. Research has demonstrated the feasibility and perceived benefits of home-based physical exercise programs delivered via telehealth-based approaches. As digital technologies improve, and new telehealth related innovations become available and more affordable, there are opportunities to address some of the barriers in more informed ways. Anticipatory technology assessments can prove effective in creating a space in bringing together diverse disciplines from healthcare, technological science, technology governance and policy to collaborate in assessing the complexities of potential emerging applications. MotiVerseP is an approach that brings together a variety of experts to work on an anticipatory technology assessment for the use of the metaverse as a therapeutic virtual space for movement-focused therapies for people living with PD. Continuing with the potential benefits of digital technologies and applications for health the emerging innovation of the Web 4.0, Virtual-Worlds and metaverses are gaining more consideration as a potential high-value (therapeutic) strategy (WEF).