The role of interactive game-based system in pulmonary rehabilitation of patients with COPD

Abstract

Background: Interactive video game-based system is a new strategy of exercise training among COPD patients (Gargin K, Pizzi L, 2010. Wii-HAB;Health policy newsletter;23:1). Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program (PRP) is the key factor in comprehensive treatment to increase exercise tolerance,decrease dyspnoea symptoms,and increase quality of life in COPD (ATS/ERS statement on pulmonary rehabilitation. AM J Respir Crit Care Med 2006;173:1390-413). Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of Wii Fit TM Nintendo as a pulmonary rehabilitation tool. Material and methods: This single blind randomized controlled trial research was addressed to COPD outpatients of Muwardi hospital Indonesia. Twenty patients were randomly submitted into experimental group (EG) or control group (CG). The EG performed Wii Fit TM program (yoga, strength training, aerobic) twice a week for 6 weeks training, while the CG performed cycle ergometer. We evaluated pre (T0) and post treatment (T1): Six-minute Walking Test (6MWT), Dyspnoea (MRC and BORG scale), Baseline (BDI) and Transitional Dyspnoea Index (TDI), and quality of life (SGRQ). Results: Both group increased significantly in 6MWT, BDI/TDI, and SGRQ Experimental group showed: 1) Exercise tolerance (6MWT) improvement from 367,6 ± 81 became 420 ± 77,6 (p=0.000) 2) Improvement of dyspnoea by BDI/TDI was 4,5 ±1,35 and 2,5 ±1,17 (p=0.007) 3) Improvement in quality of life based on SGRQ (57,717 ± 11,63 became 30,64 ± 5,87; p=0.000) Conclusion: Patients with COPD who underwent a PRP with Wii Fit TM nintendo have improvement in exercise tolerance, decreasing dyspnoea symptoms, and improving their quality of life.