Abstract
Objectives The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of balance training with Nintendo Wii technology, with and without the use of additional sensory information (subpatellar bandage), in the functional mobility and gait speed of elderly female fallers. Methods Twenty elderly women were divided into two groups: group I: trained with the use of the Nintendo Wii; group II: trained using the Nintendo Wii and the addition of sensory information (subpatellar bandage). The functional mobility was assessed with the Timed up and Go test (TUG) and gait speed with the 10 m test. The tests were carried out with and without the use of the subpatellar bandage. The training was carried out within sessions of 30 minutes, twice a week, using three different games (Penguin Slide, Table Tilt, and Tightrope). Results There was an increase in the gait speed and a decrease in the TUG time in both groups, independently of the sensory condition used (p < 0.05). In the short term, the subpatellar bandage improved the TUG time (p < 0.05) and the gait speed (p < 0.01). Conclusion The training for postural balance with virtual reality was effective for improving functional mobility and gait speed of elderly female fallers. The subpatellar bandage did not maximize the effect of training.
Highlights
Objectives. e aim of the study was to investigate the effect of balance training with Nintendo Wii technology, with and without the use of additional sensory information, in the functional mobility and gait speed of elderly female fallers
Twenty elderly women were divided into two groups: group I: trained with the use of the Nintendo Wii; group II: trained using the Nintendo Wii and the addition of sensory information. e functional mobility was assessed with the Timed up and Go test (TUG) and gait speed with the 10 m test. e tests were carried out with and without the use of the subpatellar bandage. e training was carried out within sessions of 30 minutes, twice a week, using three different games (Penguin Slide, Table Tilt, and Tightrope)
Conclusion. e training for postural balance with virtual reality was effective for improving functional mobility and gait speed of elderly female fallers. e subpatellar bandage did not maximize the effect of training
Summary
Isabela Feitosa de Carvalho ,1 Gianluca Loyolla Montanari Leme, and Marcos Eduardo Scheicher 1,2. E aim of the study was to investigate the effect of balance training with Nintendo Wii technology, with and without the use of additional sensory information (subpatellar bandage), in the functional mobility and gait speed of elderly female fallers. E training for postural balance with virtual reality was effective for improving functional mobility and gait speed of elderly female fallers. 1. Introduction e use of video games for the training of postural balance is increasing in research related to the elderly population, due to the favorable results on the improvement of posture control, as well as a decrease in the risk of falls [1,2,3]. Ese studies indicate that sensory information can be added with a contact on a touch bar or with a subpatellar bandage, causing a reduction in body oscillation In these studies, the beneficial effects of the use of additional sensory information
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
