Helen Mirren has given her public support for a research group that is looking at how the Wii can help people who suffer from Parkinson's Disease.

Dame Helen Mirren can currently be seen on a series of adverts promoting Wii Fit but, contrary to some reports, her promotion is not financially motivated. She has provided her public support for a research project that is looking to see if the Wii can help Parkinson's Disease patients.

A report by Tech Digest states that the Parkinson's UK research group has recently been given a grant of nearly �35,000 to continue their research. Dr Cathy Craig at the School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast, spoke about the project's intention.

"Our hope is to harness the benefits of the Wii technology to develop a system designed specifically for people with Parkinson's. If the project is successful the benefits could be twofold. It could allow us to develop a simple way to assess Parkinson's symptoms yet provide a safe and effective way for people with the condition to be more active and keep fit."

The research hopes to find if the Wii can help the physical abilities and lifestyles of those who are afflicted with Parkinson's, which often involves tremors, slowness of movement and balance. Other research projects in the past have looked into similar areas. Karen Rose, someone who suffers from Parkinson's and features on a current Wii advert, also spoke about the possible benefits.

"Most people with Parkinson's find that they lose their confidence. So I tend to do exercise at home. I've got all the benefits of a gym, but I can do it to fit in with my lifestyle and my medication. It gives you a burst somehow, and it makes you feel better, and then you have a better day."