While there are studies about how the ride helps people overcome their coasterphobia (extreme fear of roller coasters) could it be used to help treat a more physical issue like kidney stones? To test the theory, Wartinger used a validated, synthetic 3D model of a hollow kidney complete with three 4mm kidney stones inserted into the replica and carried it in a backpack on Big Thunder Mountain 20 times. The pilot study was later published in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association in the same year. Of course, if you're suffering from kidney stones, this is not a sign for you to take a roller-coaster ride at Disney World. And if you don't have kidney stones (and you want to avoid having them), you should take prevention steps, including staying hydrated and not over-consuming food that causes them.

Source: ABC News July 25, 2023 00:05 UTC