The Effects of the Nintendo Wii Fit on Community-Dwelling Older Adults with Perceived Balance Deficits: A Pilot Study

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study was to determine if a 6-week intervention program using the Nintendo Wii Fit Balance Board would lead to improvements in balance in community-dwelling older adults over the age of 65 with a perceived balance deficit. Balance, balance confidence, and limits of stability were measured at preintervention and postintervention using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale, and the Multi-Directional Reach Test, respectively. The center of pressure excursion was calculated by the Wii Balance Board. The intervention consisted of 30-min sessions, 2×/week using the Balance Board. No statistically significant changes were found for any outcome measure, although 4 of the 6 participants demonstrated clinically significant improvements on the BBS, using established clinical guidelines. These findings suggest that an intervention program including the Wii fit may be an effective rehabilitation option for older adults with perceived balance deficits.