Comparing the Effects of a Novel and a Traditional Proprioceptive Balance Training Program on Activity Adherence and Balance Control in a Healthy University Population: A Preliminary Study.

Abstract

This study explored balance performance and participant adherence to either the Wii Fit™ (Nintendo of America, Redmond, WA) or a proprioceptive BOSU(®) (Ashland, OH) ball balance program. Twenty university-aged participants were randomly allocated to either a Wii Fit or BOSU ball balance training program. Participants engaged in one of the two training regimens for 20 minutes, three times a week, for 4 weeks. Adherence was measured by recording attendance and time spent at each session. Motivational factors associated with adherence were assessed using the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale. Balance was measured using a stabilometer. No significant difference in participant adherence was found between the groups. Significantly higher levels of activity enjoyment were reported from participants assigned to the Wii Fit intervention, and a positive correlation was found between physical activity enjoyment and adherence. A significant main effect for time demonstrating improved balance scores for both groups was found. No significant interaction between program type and time was found. Although both interventions led to balance improvements, Wii Fit participants reported significantly higher levels of activity enjoyment. Although these higher levels of enjoyment did not lead to a statistically significant difference between the groups with regard to the number of sessions attended, participants assigned to the Wii Fit group spent more time engaged in the balance training activities than those allocated to the BOSU group. Although this study is preliminary and has the limitations of being statistically underpowered and dissimilar from the unsupervised home-based programs often prescribed by health professionals, results suggest that exergaming-based balance training may be an important adjunct to traditional training programs.