A novel exercise machine that could improve the symptoms of people with Parkinson’s Disease using gravity and movement is being tested by neurologists in Victoria.

The ‘Reviver’ vestibular-stimulation, isometric exercise machine intentionally challenges participants’ sense of balance in a safe and controlled environment. The reaction to being tilted off balance creates a powerful and innate response that can activate muscle groups that have become disengaged.

The trial aims to determine whether a 12-week exercise program on the  machine can lead to improved balance, mobility and sensory-motor coordination for people with an advanced stage of Parkinson’s Disease and Atypical Parkinsonism.

Half of patients in each diagnostic group will undertake exercise according to the Reviver regime, in addition to their regular standard of care. The control group will continue their standard of care without use of the machine.

The trial is being overseen by Professor Terry O’Brien, neurologist and Head of Department of Neuroscience at Monash University. The lead researcher is Dr Ben Sinclair, a brain imaging expert from Monash University and Alfred Health. Dr Sinclair says he has a long-standing interest in non-pharmacological treatments for Parkinson’s disease and other brain disorders.

Early anecdotal feedback suggests the Reviver machine may improve mobility and reduce Parkinson’s symptoms in users. In “timed up and go” tests where people had to stand up from a chair, walk 3 metres and back, then sit down, the average patient completed the task in 13 – 10 seconds. After only a few sessions on the machine, some patients could accomplish the task in 8-9 seconds.

“We now need to see what kind of results can be generated during a formal, randomised controlled trial,” says Dr Sinclair.

“It’s an exciting project because people affected by Parkinson’s have a limited range of treatment options. This study provides a rare opportunity to explore and uncover a new possible treatment pathway for people affected by Parkinson’s.”

The Reviver technology was developed by Geoffrey Redmond after he noticed the deterioration in his elderly mother’s health. It prompted him to think about how exercise could be used in its simplest form to help her.