Thursday, 5 April 2012
Comparison Between Nintendo Wii Fit Aerobics and Traditional Aerobic Exercise in Sedentary Young Adults
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
26(4): 1052–1057, 2012
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Sunday, 30 October 2011
The Utility of a Video Game System in Rehabilitation of Burn and Nonburn Patients: A Survey Among Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy Practitioners
September/October 2010 - Volume 31 - Issue 5 - pp 768-775
Fung, Vera BSc, MSc PT; So, Ken MSc OT; Park, Esther MSc PT; Ho, Aileen BSc PT; Shaffer, Jennifer BSc PT; Chan, Elaine MSc OT; Gomez, Manuel MD, MSc
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Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate perceptions of occupational therapists and physiotherapists on the use of Nintendo Wii™ (Nintendo of America Inc., Redmond, WA) in rehabilitation. Occupational therapists and physiotherapists in a rehabilitation hospital trialed four Wii games that addressed physical movement, balance, coordination, and cognitive performance. Then, they completed an opinion survey on the utility of Wii in rehabilitation. The results were compared between burn care therapists (BTs) and nonburn care therapists, using χ2 with a P < .05 considered significant. The participation rate was 79% (63/80), and they agreed that Wii was easy to set up (71%), operate (68%), and safe to use (76%). Participants agreed that Wii would be beneficial in outpatient (76%) and inpatient (65%) settings and that it could improve treatment compliance (73%). Participants recommended 15 to 30-minute Wii intervention (59%) daily (81%) and twice per week (43%). Participants believed that neurologic (71%), trauma (68%), burn (59%), and musculoskeletal (49%) patients would benefit from Wii intervention but not cardiac (43%) or organ transplant patients (18%). Participants believed that outcomes using Wii could be measured reliably (49%), and skills learned while playing could be transferable to daily function (60%). The significant differences between BTs and nonburn care therapists' perceptions are that BT-treated younger patients (21–40 years vs >60 years, P < .05) and BT favored the therapeutic benefit of Wii in rehabilitation (93% vs 58%, P = .02), specifically in burn rehabilitation (85% vs 39%, P = .001). Occupational therapists and physiotherapists favored the use of Wii in rehabilitation as an adjunct to traditional therapy because it is therapeutic, engaging, and may increase patient participation in rehabilitation.
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Tuesday, 25 October 2011
Changes in physical activity and fitness after 3 months of home Wii Fit(TM) use
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The purpose of this study was to examine changes in physical activity and fitness variables in members of 8 volunteer families after 3 months of home use of the Wii Fit(TM) interactive video game. Pre and postintervention measurements were obtained from 21 subjects relative to physical activity (5 days of accelerometry), aerobic fitness (graded treadmill test), muscular fitness (push-ups), flexibility (sit-and-reach test), balance (composite equilibrium score), and body composition (body mass index and % body fat). Use characteristics of the Wii Fit(TM) device were also determined. A series of 2 (age group) x 2 (time) repeated measures analyses of variance were conducted to assess changes over time and between adults and children. Three months of home Wii Fit(TM) use revealed no significant age group x time interactions or main effects of group or time for daily physical activity, muscular fitness, flexibility, balance, or body composition. An age group x time interaction (p = 0.04) was observed in peak [latin capital V with dot above]O2 (ml[middle dot]kg-1[middle dot]min-1) with children displaying a significant (p = 0.03) increase after 3 months of Wii Fit(TM) use, whereas adults showed no significant (p = 0.50) change. Daily Wii Fit(TM) use per household declined by 82% (p < 0.01) from 21.5 +/- 9.0 min[middle dot]d-1 during the first 6 weeks to 3.9 +/- 4.0 min[middle dot]d-1 during the second 6 weeks. Most measures of health-related fitness in this exploratory study remained unchanged after 3 months of home use of the popular Wii Fit(TM) whole-body movement interactive video game. Modest daily Wii Fit(TM) use may have provided insufficient stimulus for fitness changes.
(C) 2011 National Strength and Conditioning Association
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Thursday, 11 August 2011
Using Wii Fit to reduce fatigue among African American women with systemic lupus erythematosus: A pilot study
Lupus. 2011 Jun 23
Yuen H, Holthaus K, Kamen DL, Sword D, Breland HL.
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Abstract
Fatigue and physical deconditioning are common, difficult to treat conditions among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a home-based exercise program using the Wii Fit system in patients with SLE. Fifteen sedentary African American women with SLE experiencing moderate to severe fatigue participated in a home exercise program using the Wii Fit 3 days a week for 30 minutes each for 10 weeks. A one-group pretest-post test design was used to evaluate the effectiveness of this program. Primary outcome measure was severity of fatigue. Secondary outcome measures were body weight, waist circumference, fatigue-related symptoms of distress, activity level, and physical fitness. At the completion of the 10-week Wii Fit exercise program, participants perceived fatigue severity as measured by the Fatigue Severity Scale to be significantly decreased (p= 0.002), and body weight and waist circumference were significantly reduced (pp= 0.01). In addition, anxiety level, as measured by Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and overall intensity of total pain experience, as measured by Short-form of the McGill Pain Questionnaire, were also significantly reduced (p < 0.05). Findings provide preliminary evidence that the Wii Fit motivates this population to exercise, which leads to alleviation of fatigue and reduced body weight, waist circumference, anxiety level, and overall intensity of total pain experience.
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Tuesday, 7 June 2011
‘Wii-habilitation’ and robotic exoskeletons: technology in physiotherapy - 2010
Aideen Henry(1), Aileen Barrett(2)
Author affilitations
1RCSI physiotherapy student
2Practice Education Co-ordinator, School of Physiotherapy, RCSI
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Abstract
For mobility-impaired patients, gait retraining is an integral part of the rehabilitation programme. Manual assisted body weight support treadmill training (BWSTT) has been a major focus of research and is considered one of the primary methods of gait retraining. In recent years the focus of research has shifted to robotic assisted treadmill training, which is as efficacious as manual assisted BWSTT but is considered more cost-effective with respect to personnel and labour. The Lokomat® is a machine that provides robotic assisted treadmill training by means of a robotic gait orthosis, body weight support system and treadmill. Manufactured by Hocoma in Switzerland, it has been the subject of intense media attention since it was introduced to the US in 2001. Similar attention has been given to the Nintendo WiiTM gaming system for its potential role in rehabilitation. Although not specifically designed for use in the medical arena, the Nintendo WiiTM has been linked with functional rehabilitation benefits in a variety of patient groups. The aim of this paper is to review the clinical applications of the Lokomat® and Nintendo WiiTM, and to provide an analysis of the advantages and disadvantages associated with each as a physiotherapy modality in rehabilitation.
Keywords: Physiotherapy, treadmill training, Lokomat®, virtual reality, Nintendo WiiTM, gait re-education.
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Sunday, 5 June 2011
Changes in balance in older adults based on use of physical therapy vs the Wii Fit gaming system: a preliminary study - April 2011
Hamid Bateni
School of Allied Health and Communicative Disorders, Physical Therapy Program, Northern Illinois University, 1425 W. Lincoln Hwy, DeKalb, IL 60115-2828, USA
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Abstract
Objectives
To determine the effectiveness of Wii Fit training on balance control in older adults compared with physical therapy training.
Design
Quasi-experimental design.
Participants
Eight males and nine females aged 53 to 91 years.
Materials and methods
Participants were divided into three groups: one group received both physical therapy training and Wii Fit training (PW group), one group received Wii Fit training alone (WI group), and one group received physical therapy training alone (PT group). Training consisted of three sessions per week for 4 weeks.
Main outcome
Berg Balance Scale (all groups) and Bubble Test (PW and WI groups) scores.
Statistical analysis
Descriptive statistics, medians, interquartile ranges and 95% confidence intervals are reported to identify trends in balance control as a result of different types of training.
Results
All subjects showed improvement in the Berg Balance Scale and Bubble Test scores. The PT and PW groups tended to perform better than the WI group on the Berg Balance Scale following treatment. Although the differences in the Bubble Test score were not substantial between the PW and WI groups, the PW group performed slightly better than the WI group on the Berg Balance Scale.
Conclusions
Wii Fit training appears to improve balance. However, physical therapy training on its own or in addition to Wii Fit training appears to improve balance to a greater extent than Wii Fit training alone.
Keywords: Wii Fit; Postural balance; Berg Balance Scale; Computerised gaming systems
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Sunday, 6 March 2011
Metabolic responses to wii fit™ video games : March 2011
Metabolic responses to wii fit™ video games at different game levels.
Worley JR, Rogers SN, Kraemer RR.
Department of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, Louisiana
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From Pubmed
Abstract
-The Wii Fit™ is a form of interactive gaming designed to elicit health and fitness benefits to replace sedentary gaming.
This study was designed to determine the effectiveness of Wii Fit™ fitness games. The purpose of the study was to determine the %&OV0312;O2max and energy expenditure from different Wii Fit™ games at different levels including the step and hula games. Eight healthy young women completed a preliminary trial to determine &OV0312;O2max and later played the Wii Fit™ during 2 separate counterbalanced trials. During each session, subjects played levels of Wii Fit™ games for 10 minutes each level. One session involved beginning and intermediate hula, and the other session involved beginning and intermediate steps. The &OV0312;O2 was measured continuously via metabolic cart, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was assessed at the end of each game level. The lowest %&OV0312;O2max, kcal·min, and RPE occurred during the beginning step game and the highest values occurred during the intermediate hula game. Respiratory exchange ratio was significantly higher in the intermediate hula than beginning hula game but was not significantly different between step game levels. The intermediate hula and step games produced the greatest energy expenditure with an equivalent effect of a walking speed of >5.63 km·h (>3.5 miles·h). This is the first study to determine the percentage of &OV0312;O2max and caloric expenditure elicited by different Wii Fit™ video games at different game levels in adults. Findings suggest that the Wii Fit™ can be used as an effective activity for promoting physical health in this population.
Link to Pubmed reference
Friday, 24 September 2010
A "Wii" bit of fun: The effects of adding Nintendo Wii Bowling to a standard exercise regimen for residents of long term care.
Hsu JK, Thibodeau R, Wong SJ, Zukiwsky D, Cecile S, Walton DM.
Physiotherapist, Merivale Professional Physiotherapy Centre, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
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Abstract
The aims of this randomized, single-blind crossover trial were to investigate the effect of adding a simulated bowling video game via the Nintendo Wii((R)) gaming system to the standard exercise regimen of cognitively intact residents of long-term care (LTC) with upper extremity dysfunction and to identify individual characteristics that might predict improvement. Residents (n=34) were recruited through two LTC facilities in southwestern Ontario and were randomized into a standard exercise (SG) or standard exercise plus Wii bowling (Wii) arm. After 4 weeks of intervention, the groups were crossed over to the opposite arm. Outcomes included measures of pain intensity and bothersomeness, physical activity enjoyment, and a six-item measure of functional capacity designed specifically for residents of LTC. Results suggest that subjects improved on all outcomes from pre- to postintervention but that only enjoyment of activity showed a significant difference between the SG and Wii groups. Effect sizes (Cohen's d) ranged from small (0.30 for bothersomeness) to large (1.77 for functional capacity). Responders, defined as those subjects who reported any degree of improvement following the Wii intervention, were less likely to complain of stiffness or shoulder symptoms and were more likely to complain of hand symptoms than non-responders. Limitations in interpretation and recommendations for future research are presented.
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Thursday, 22 July 2010
Exergaming: virtual inspiration, real perspiration (2009)
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Klein, Matthew J.; Simmers, Christina S.
Purpose - The USA is facing an obesity crisis so large that for the first time in history, this generation of children may have a life span that does not exceed that of its parents. Simultaneously, the gaming industry has introduced a form of video gaming (e.g. Nintendo Wii) that requires the participant to be physically involved in the game. For example, a live player will have a tennis racquet that he/she swings to compete with a virtual opponent on screen. This form of entertainment has been termed "exergaming." People are buying these games for the purpose of entertainment. However, this paper aims to propose that there are possible unanticipated physical benefits of this new gaming technology.
Design/methodology/approach - A survey method is used to examine attitudes about exercise, video gaming and exergaming. Findings - Results indicate a positive attitude toward exergaming, particularly with the more self-identified sedentary respondents. Research limitations/implications - This topic would benefit from a longitudinal study examining the adoption rate of this technology by previously inactive individuals and how its use translates into increased physical activity both with the video game system and other outside fitness activities.
Practical implications - The findings support exergaming as one way to get children to exercise.
Originality/value - The exercise potential of new gaming technology, i.e. "exergaming" is researched.
Wednesday, 21 July 2010
A GAME A DAY KEEPS THE DOCTOR AWAY: A SHORT REVIEW OF COMPUTER GAMES IN MENTAL HEALTHCARE (2008)
A Game A Day Keeps the Doctor Away: A Short Review of Computer Games in Mental Healthcare
by: Luciano Gamberini, Giacinto Barres, Alice Majer, and Fabiola Scarpetta
Journal of CyberTherapy & Rehabilitation,
Summer 2008, Volume 1, Issue 2 pages 127 – 145
Exergaming is becoming a popular recreational activity for young adults. The purpose was to compare the physiologic and psychological responses of college students playing Nintendo Wii Fit, an active video game console, vs. an equal duration of moderate-intensity brisk walking. Twenty-one healthy sedentary college-age students (mean age 23.2 ± 1.8 years) participated in a randomized, double cross-over study, which compared physiologic and psychological responses to 30 minutes of brisk walking exercise on a treadmill vs. 30 minutes playing Nintendo Wii Fit “Free Run” program. Physiologic parameters measured included heart rate, rate pressure product, respiratory rate, and rating of perceived exertion. Participants' positive well-being, psychological distress, and level of fatigue associated with each exercise modality were quantified using the Subjective Exercise Experience Scale. The mean maximum heart rate (HRmax) achieved when exercising with Wii Fit (142.4 ± 20.5 b·min−1) was significantly greater (p = 0.001) compared with exercising on the treadmill (123.2 ± 13.7 b·min−1). Rate pressure product was also significantly greater (p = 0.001) during exercise on the Wii Fit. Participants' rating of perceived exertion when playing Wii Fit (12.7 ± 3.0) was significantly greater (p = 0.014) when compared with brisk walking on the treadmill (10.1 ± 3.3). However, psychologically when playing Wii Fit, participants' positive well-being decreased significantly (p = 0.018) from preexercise to postexercise when compared with exercising on the treadmill. College students have the potential to surpass exercise intensities achieved when performing a conventional standard for moderate-intensity exercise when playing Nintendo Wii Fit “Free Run” with a self-selected intensity. We concluded that Nintendo Wii Fit “Free Run” may act as an alternative to traditional moderate-intensity aerobic exercise in fulfilling the American College of Sports Medicine requirements for physical activity.
© 2012 National Strength and Conditioning Association
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