US scientists have discovered riding a particular roller coaster at Walt Disney Orlando, Florida, helped some people pass kidney stones.
Professor David Wartinger, from Michigan State University, led the study after reports from some of his patients. “I even had one patient say he passed three different stones after riding multiple times,” he said.
Using a 3D model of a hollow kidney, complete with urine and three kidney stones, he took it in a backpack on the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad 20 times.
The findings? A ride on a “moderate-intensity” roller coaster could help some patients with smaller kidney stones.
A cheaper cure?
The researchers say the unconventional therapy could save patients thousands in expensive medical treatment.
“If you have a kidney stone, but are otherwise healthy and meet the requirements of the ride, patients should try it,” Professor Wartinger advises. “It’s definitely a lower-cost alternative to health care.”
There’s no denying passing kidney stones is a painful experience, but seriously, this is what our best scientific minds are working on?
Is anyone really going to ask their doctor for a prescription to the nearest theme park? We don’t think so!
Watch a video about the study here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOsuQPAI0Us
