Motor Control Outcomes Following Nintendo Wii Use by a Child With Down Syndrome

Case Study

Pediatric Physical Therapy: Spring 2012 - Volume 24 - Issue 1 - p 78–84

Berg, Patti PT, MA, MPT, NCS; Becker, Tiffany PT, DPT; Martian, Andrew PT, DPT; Danielle, Primrose Kimberly PT, DPT; Wingen, Julie PT, DPT


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Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this work was to examine motor outcomes following an 8-week intervention period of family-supported Nintendo Wii use by a child with a diagnosis of Down syndrome (DS).

Summary of Key Points: A 12-year-old child with a diagnosis of DS and with limited Wii exposure was asked to play Wii games in the home 4 times each week for 20 minutes each session for 8 weeks. Family members were encouraged to participate. The participant chose what games to play and selected 4 different games. Repeatedly practicing the skills involved in these games resulted in improvements in the child's postural stability, limits of stability, and Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, 2nd edition balance, upper-limb coordination, manual dexterity, and running speed and agility standard scores.

Conclusions: Wii game use by a child with DS may elicit improvements in highly practiced motor skills and postural control.

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