​Have you heard this one? There is new evidence that a roller coaster ride may help you pass small kidney stones.

A study done by the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine conducted their study in Walt Disney World on the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Space Mountain roller coasters. The study was conducted using 3D printed clear silicone models of a kidney which contained urine and 3 different sized kidney stones. The kidney models were then placed in backpacks and taken on 60 roller coaster rides.The stones were passed 17% of the time in the front of the roller coaster and up to 64% of the time in the back of the roller coaster.

Anyone who has ever had a kidney stone will surely agree all you want is to get it out once the pain starts. It seems this preliminary study shows that a moderate intensity roller coaster could benefit patients with small kidney stones by getting them moving before they become larger and more of a problem.

Who knew passing a kidney stone could be fun? Obviously more research is needed but this is interesting and may help some people. Who needs a reason to ride the roller coaster any way?

Mary Crawford, HealthCare Employment Network