Showing posts with label Multiple Sclerosis. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Multiple Sclerosis. Show all posts

Tuesday, 5 February 2013

The effect of Nintendo(R) Wii(R) on balance in people with multiple sclerosis: a pilot randomized control study.

Multiple Sclerosis. 2013 Jan 15. [Epub ahead of print]

Brichetto G, Spallarossa P, de Carvalho ML, Battaglia MA.

Scientific Research Area, Italian Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (FISM), Genoa, Italy.

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Abstract
Improvement of sensory strategies is a relevant part of balance rehabilitation in multiple sclerosis (MS). This study aimed to Assess the effectiveness of visual-feedback exercises in improving balance in MS. We divided 36 patients into Wii and control-treated groups that underwent balance rehabilitation. Outcomes were obtained for Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Modified Fatigue Impact Scale, and sway area under conditions of opened and closed eyes. BBS showed a statistically significant improvement (from 49.6 to 54.6 points, p < 0.05) in the Wii group. Interactive visual-feedback exercises such as Wii could be more effective than the current standard protocol in improving balance disorders in MS.

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Monday, 25 June 2012

Balance exercise for persons with multiple sclerosis using Wii games: a randomised, controlled multi-centre study.

Ylva E NilsagÄrd, Anette S Forsber and Lena von Koch
Multiple Sclerosis Journal, 2012 June 6

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Abstract


Background: The use of interactive video games is expanding within rehabilitation. The evidence base is, however, limited.
Objective: Our aim was to evaluate the effects of a Nintendo Wii Fit® balance exercise programme on balance function and walking ability in people with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Methods: A multi-centre, randomised, controlled single-blinded trial with random allocation to exercise or no exercise. The exercise group participated in a programme of 12 supervised 30-min sessions of balance exercises using Wii games, twice a week for 6–7 weeks. Primary outcome was the Timed Up and Go test (TUG). In total, 84 participants were enrolled; four were lost to follow-up.
Results: After the intervention, there were no statistically significant differences between groups but effect sizes for the TUG, TUGcognitive and, the Dynamic Gait Index (DGI) were moderate and small for all other measures. Statistically significant improvements within the exercise group were present for all measures (large to moderate effect sizes) except in walking speed and balance confidence. The non-exercise group showed statistically significant improvements for the Four Square Step Test and the DGI.
Conclusion: In comparison with no intervention, a programme of supervised balance exercise using Nintendo Wii Fit® did not render statistically significant differences, but presented moderate effect sizes for several measures of balance performance.

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Tuesday, 16 August 2011

Potential Benefits of Nintendo Wii Fit Among People with Multiple Sclerosis A Longitudinal Pilot Study

International Journal of MS Care. 2011;13:21–3

Matthew Plow, PhD; Marcia Finlayson, PhD, OT(C), OTR/L

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Abstract

We examined the potential of Nintendo Wii Fit (Nintendo Co, Ltd, Kyoto, Japan) to increase physical activity (PA) behavior and health among people with multiple sclerosis (MS). The study consisted
of a repeated-measures design with a baseline control period and involved 30 people with MS who
had the ability to walk 25 feet with or without a cane (26 individuals were included in the analyses).
Nintendo Wii was set up in the homes of participants, who were prescribed a Wii Fit exercise program lasting 14 weeks, 3 days a week. The Physical Activity and Disability Survey, Modified Fatigue
Impact Scale, and 36-item Short Form Health Status Survey were administered three times before
participants gained access to Wii Fit (control period, at 2-week intervals), and three times after they
received Wii Fit (posttest 1: immediately after; posttest 2: 7 weeks after; posttest 3: 14 weeks after).
Mobility, balance, strength, and weight were assessed at the first pretest, immediately prior to obtaining access to Wii Fit, and 7 weeks after obtaining access to Wii Fit. Results from the questionnaires
indicated that PA significantly improved at week 7, but at week 14, PA levels declined relative to week
7 and the difference was no longer significant compared with the control period. Physical assessments
indicated that balance and strength significantly improved at week 7. One adverse event was reported
(repetitive knee injury). Physical assessments indicated that people with MS may be able to improve
their fitness levels by using Wii Fit. Future studies should incorporate behavior change strategies to
promote long-term use of Wii Fit, and explore whether individuals with more severe symptoms of MS
can safely use Wii Fit.

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