Disney Roller Coaster May Help Patients Pass Kidney Stones

Disney Roller Coaster May Help Patients Pass Kidney Stones

(USNewsBreak.com) – Kidney stones can be incredibly painful. According to the National Kidney Foundation, more than half a million people visit the emergency room each year for kidney stones. However, research shows they may also benefit from heading to Disney World for a ride on an intense coaster.

Scientists discovered in a study several years ago that riding Big Thunder Mountain may effectively treat minor kidney stones. They believe the ride’s lightning-fast movements have the power to ease stones through the ureter and bladder.

In a 2016 study, researchers ran a kidney replica filled with stones and urine through the ride. They tracked how stones shifted depending on seat location and overall renal calculi size.

According to the researchers, sitting in the back during the ride produced significantly better results. Riding in a seat close to the front wasn’t quite as effective, especially when attempting to dislodge large stones.

Following the initial pilot study, co-author Dr. David Wartinger from the Department of Osteopathic Surgical Specialties teamed up with Michigan State University professor Mark Mitchell to conduct expanded research. They reported a nearly 70 percent passage rate at the back of the roller coaster.

It may be hard to imagine a trip to Disney and a ride on Big Thunder Mountain in the middle of a painful kidney stone attack. Yet, at least some research suggests it could knock those little kidney stones right out of patients in need.

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