Wii Fit Research Articles

Block and Random Practice: A Wii Fit Dynamic Balance Training in Older Adults

ABSTRACT Purpose: To compare the effectiveness of blocked and random practice schedules of balance training in dynamic balance abilities of older adults using Wii Fit balance game tasks. Method: Forty-one participants who were not receiving hospice care or living in a nursing home participated. Three Wii Fit balance tasks (tasks A, B, and C) were selected for training, and one task (task D) was selected as the transfer test among the nine tasks in the Wii Fit balance game software. Scores for tasks A and D were evaluated. Completion times for tasks B and C were evaluated. Moved distance for the functional reach test (FRT), completion time for the timed up and go test (TUG), and performance score for the Tinetti performance‐oriented mobility assessment (POMA) were also tested as clinical balance assessment outcomes. Results: The training significantly improved the performance outcomes of clinical balance assessments and task D. There were no significant group × time interaction effects and no significant main effects by group during the acquisition and retention periods of tasks A, B, and C. However, significant main effects by time were observed for tasks A, B, and C. Conclusions: When dynamic balance training such as the Wii Fit balance system is administered to older adults in a clinical setting, either a block or a random practice schedule can be effectively used to improve the dynamic balance skills. Wii Fit–based balance training is clinically effective for improving the dynamic balance ability.

Wii Fit Gaming System—How to Select among Balance Exercise and Measurement Tools

Wii Fit Gaming System—How to Select among Balance Exercise and Measurement Tools

Effects of Balance Training Using a Wii Fit Balance Board on Balance, Gait and Activities of Daily Living in Patients with Parkinson Disease: A Pilot, Randomized Controlled Trial

Background/Objectives: This study examined the effects of balance training using a Wii Fit balance board on the balance, gait, and activities of daily living in patients with Parkinson disease.Method/Statistical Analysis: Our study included 15 patients with Parkinson disease who scored 2–3 on the Hoehn and Yahr scale and underwent occupational therapy. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: the experimental group with 8 patients or the control group with 7 patients. All subjects in two groups received traditional occupational therapy (TOT) for 30 min/day, 3 times a week, for 8 weeks, and the participants in the experimental group additionally received a balance training using a Wii Fit (BTWF) for 30 min per session. All patients in both groups were evaluated using the Berg balance scale (BBS), the time up & go test, and the modified Barthel index.Findings: The experimental and control groups showed significant improvements in all outcome measures after intervention. In particular, the experimental group showed a more significant improvement in the BBS score than the control group.Improvements/Applications: BTWF could be effectively used to improve the balance of Parkinson’s disease patients in the clinic.

Game therapy a new approach to treat women facing mixed urinary incontinence: A study protocol.

To describe a pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) isolated and associated with game therapy (PFMT + GT) for women facing mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) during climacteric period. To standardize a randomized controlled clinical trial intervention, a protocol was created, in an attempt to decrease women's symptomatology generated by MUI, through pelvic floor and abdomino-loin-pelvic muscles strength, and endurance. This study protocol will be composed of 32 volunteers, divided into two groups of 16. They will perform PFMT isolated or PFMT + GT, twice a week during 8 weeks. Interventions will last 40 minutes and will be divided into warming (5 minutes), training (30 minutes), and 5 minutes will be composed of resting time between exercises (1 minute each). Isolated PFMT sessions will be performed through four modalities of exercises: diaphragmatic, bridge, abdominal (plank), and pelvic mobility. PFMT + GT training will be carried out by using Wii Fit Plus games, such as Lotus Focus, Penguin Slide, Basic Step, and Hula Hoop from Wii equipment. Assessments will occur before, after, and 1 month after interventions. Vaginal manometry, 1-hour Pad Test, International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF), and Patient Global Intervention (PGI) will be used to evaluate the sample. It is expected greater increase on pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength, endurance, vaginal pressure for PFMT + GG. Moreover, it is supposed that PFMT + GT volunteers present better treatment adherence due to games motivational inclusion.

Effectiveness of exergaming, Tai Chi, and physical therapy in improving dynamic balance and enjoyment of older adults with knee osteoarthritis

Purpose: To determine the effectiveness of exergaming using Nintendo Wii Fit(TM) compared to Tai Chi and Physical Therapy (PT) intervention in improving dynamic balance and level of enjoyment of individuals with knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Training With Wii Balance Board for Dynamic Balance in Older Adults

Background and Purpose: Age-related muscle strength deterioration and decreased ability to react appropriately and regain balance after unexpected sudden disturbances and deficit they have in the use of responsible mechanisms to control the dynamic stability in response to a disturbance are important intrinsic risk factors for the fall. The main objective of this study is to verify the impact on the dynamic balance, through the Limits of Stability test, of a physical exercise program in older adults using the Nintendo Wii console. Methods: The sample consisted of a total of 12 patients. Pre and posttreatment measurements and assessments were carried out at the Laboratory of Motion Analysis, Biomechanics, Ergonomics and Motor Control (LAMBECOM) in the Faculty of Health Sciences of the Rey Juan Carlos University. Results and Conclusions: The results of this study show improvements in the scores of all the variables analyzed by Limits of Stability: RT, MVL, EPE, MXE and DCL. The results obtained seem to determine that the protocol used through training with the Nintendo Wii and its Wii Fit video game produced clinical improvements in postural control and dynamic balance and a positive impact on quality of life.

Wii Fit as Balance Assessment and Training

Wii Fit as Balance Assessment and Training

Self-directed usage of an in-home exergame after a supervised telerehabilitation training program for older adults with lower-limb amputation.

While home-based exergames help overcome accessibility barriers to rehabilitation, it is unclear what constitutes effective intervention design in using exergames to support self-efficacy and engagement. Examine usage of an in-home exergame, compared to control, unsupervised after supervised training by older persons with lower-limb amputation. Secondary analysis of a multi-site parallel evaluator-masked randomized control trial. WiiNWalk uses the WiiFit and teleconferencing for in-home group-based exergame therapy with clinical supervision. Participants engaged in a 4-week supervised training phase followed by a 4-week unsupervised phase in experimental (WiiNWalk) and attention control groups. Usage between phases and between groups was compared using unsupervised/supervised ratio of session count (over 4 weeks) and session time (mean min/session over 4 weeks) for each phase. Participants: n=36 experimental, n=28 control, unilateral lower-limb amputation, age > 50 years, prosthesis usage ≥ 2 hours/day. Session count ratio unsupervised/supervised, median and interquartile range (IQR), was less than parity (p<0.01) for experimental (0.25, IQR 0.00 -0.68) and control (0.18, IQR 0.00 -0.67) groups, with no different between groups (p=0.92). Experimental session time unsupervised/supervised showed consistency (1.12, IQR 0.80 -1.41) between phases (p=0.24); control showed lower (0.76, IQR 0.57 -1.08) ratios compared to experimental (p=0.027). Unsupervised exercise duration remained consistent with supervised, but frequency was reduced. Social and clinical guidance features may remain necessary for sustained lower-limb amputation exergame engagement at home. This study provides context regarding when prosthesis users are more likely to use exergames such as Wii Fit for exercise therapy. Clinicians may consider our results when applying exergames in their practice or when developing new exergame intervention strategies.

The Effects of Wii Fit Plus Training on Functional Ability in Athletes with Functional Ankle Instability

Summary Background Ankle sprain is a common sport injury that can lead to functional ankle instability. Virtual Reality Training such as Wii Fit Plus may improve functional deficit often associated with functional ankle instability. Material and Methods Fifty male basketball players with and without unilateral, functional ankle instability were assigned into two groups of experimental and control, respectively. All athletes had inclusion criteria to participate in the study. The experimental group performed Wii Fit Plus games including balance training and strengthening exercises three days a week for four weeks. The control group received no training. Before and after training, the functional ability of individuals was assessed by functional performance tests including the figure-of-8 hop, side hop, and single hop tests. Results Significant differences were observed in the figure-of-8 hop and side hop before and after training (p 0.05). Conclusion Based on our results, Wii as a neuromuscular training could be considered for individuals with functional ankle instability as a useful tool for improving the power and performances.

Interactive video game-based approaches improve mobility and mood in older adults: A nonrandomized, controlled tri̇al

Background and purposeRecently, technology-based approaches have become more frequently used in the field of rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of interactive video games on mobility, general mood, and quality of life and compare them with physical activity approaches in older adults. MethodsNinety-one residents of a nursing home were assessed and 58 volunteers who met the criteria were included in the study. Participants in Group I (n = 16) participated in a 30-min exercise program using the “Nintendo Wii Fit Plus” twice a week for 8 weeks. Group II (n = 14) participated in a physical activity program consisting of a bicycle ergometer and treadmill for the same duration. Participants were assessed pre- and post-intervention for functional mobility, general depression, and quality of life.The "Wilcoxon Signed-Rank" test was used to compare the pre- and post-treatment outcomes. The Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance (post hoc Tukey's HSD test) was used to evaluate differences between the groups. Resultsand Discussion: Post-intervention, the scores in the Berg Balance Scale increased significantly for GI and GII compared to the control group (p = 0.001, p = 0.002) Timed Up and Go Test improved for GI (p = 0.001) and 10-Meter Walk Test improved for GI (p = 0.003). Although there was a significant change in Hamilton depression score for GI and GII (p < 0.005), between-group differences were not significant. ConclusionsBoth programs demonstrated significant improvement in in all parameters. However, video-based program was more effective than physical activity, especially in mobility and balance parameters.

The Effectiveness of Nintendo Wii Fit and Inspiratory Muscle Training in Older Patients With Heart Failure

The Effectiveness of Nintendo Wii Fit and Inspiratory Muscle Training in Older Patients With Heart Failure

Different Patterns of Sleep-Dependent Procedural Memory Consolidation in Vipassana Meditation Practitioners and Non-meditating Controls.

AimRapid eye movement (REM) sleep, non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, and sleep spindles are all implicated in the consolidation of procedural memories. Relative contributions of sleep stages and sleep spindles were previously shown to depend on individual differences in task processing. However, no studies to our knowledge have focused on individual differences in experience with Vipassana meditation as related to sleep. Vipassana meditation is a form of mental training that enhances proprioceptive and somatic awareness and alters attentional style. The goal of this study was to examine a potential role for Vipassana meditation experience in sleep-dependent procedural memory consolidation.MethodsGroups of Vipassana meditation practitioners (N = 22) and matched meditation-naïve controls (N = 20) slept for a daytime nap in the laboratory. Before and after the nap they completed a procedural task on the Wii Fit balance platform.ResultsMeditators performed slightly better on the task before the nap, but the two groups improved similarly after sleep. The groups showed different patterns of sleep-dependent procedural memory consolidation: in meditators, task learning was positively correlated with density of slow occipital spindles, while in controls task improvement was positively associated with time in REM sleep. Sleep efficiency and sleep architecture did not differ between groups. Meditation practitioners, however, had a lower density of occipital slow sleep spindles than controls.ConclusionResults suggest that neuroplastic changes associated with meditation practice may alter overall sleep microarchitecture and reorganize sleep-dependent patterns of memory consolidation. The lower density of occipital spindles in meditators may mean that meditation practice compensates for some of the memory functions of sleep.

Evaluation of the exercise intensity generated by active video gaming in patients with cystic fibrosis and healthy individuals

BackgroundAdherence of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) to exercise is challenging. Here we compared the physiological responses during the use of interactive video games (VG) with the cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) in healthy and CF subjects. MethodsCross-sectional study including CF and healthy (CON) subjects older than 6 years. Individuals were evaluated in two visits. At visit one, anthropometric measures, spirometry and CPET were performed. In the second visit, a physical activity questionnaire was applied and gas analyses performed during the use (10 min) of both Nintendo Wii (Wii Fit Plus: (1) Obstacle Course, (2) Rhythm Boxing and (3) Free Run) and Xbox One (Just Dance 2015: (1) Love Me Again, (2) Summer and (3) Happy). ResultsTwenty-five CON and 30 CF patients were included. The mean FEV1 (%) was significantly lower in the CF group compared to CON. There were no differences between groups at peak exercise (CPET) for heart rate (HR), oxygen consumption (VO2) and minute ventilation (VE). In the CON group, games 2 and 3 (Xbox) and game 3 (Nintendo) increased HR to values similar to the anaerobic threshold (AT), while for the CF group this occurred for games 2 (Xbox) and 3 (Nintendo). As for VO2 and VE, both groups obtained similar responses as compared to AT values in games 2 (Xbox) and 3 (Nintendo). ConclusionThe use of VG generated a cardiorespiratory response similar to AT levels found during CPET, indicating that it may be an alternative for exercise training of CF individuals.

Comparison Between the Effectiveness of Wii Fit Plus and Core Exercise Program in Improving Core Stability in Adults

Comparison Between the Effectiveness of Wii Fit Plus and Core Exercise Program in Improving Core Stability in Adults

Exer-gaming; an effective way to improve balance confidence and quality of life of subjects with diabetes

Background: Recent evidence has suggested that mental health and cognitive functions improve as the individual involves himself in routine physical exercise thus enhancing self-motivation and confidence levels. Objective: The objective of this study was to find out the effect of Wii-Fit Exer-gaming on the confidence levels and quality of life of diabetic patients. Methodology: A randomized controlled trial was conducted on 66 diabetic patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria of stable vitals, 45 to 70 years of age with no serious systemic illness and diabetic ulcers scoring <40 on berg balance scale. Sealed envelope method was used to randomize the patients into two groups in the physical therapy department of Kulsum International Hospital, Pakistan. Baseline measurements and demographic data were taken including activities-specific balance confidence scale (ABC) and European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D-5L) respectively. Interventional group (group A) Wii Fit based games for 30 minutes twice a week, whereas control group was provided by balance training exercises twice a week for 8 weeks. The data was analyzed through SPSS version 21. Results: There was a significant improvement in ABC, Euro 5Q 5L components (p≤0.05) except for pain/discomfort (group A, B) and anxiety/depression (group B) (p ≥.05) within the group. The independent sample T test showed a significant improvement in ABC and EURO 5Q-5D-5L (p≤0.05) in the experimental group as compared to control group. Conclusions: All subjects who participated in training with Wii Fit exer-gaming showed statistically significant improvements in balance confidence and quality of life, although clinical presentation has improved in participants of both groups. Keywords: Balance Confidence and Quality of Life, Exer-Gaming.

The Effect of Virtual Reality-based Wii Fit Yoga on Pain, Functionality and Myofascial Trigger Points in Non-spesific Chronic Low Back Pain Patients

The Effect of Virtual Reality-based Wii Fit Yoga on Pain, Functionality and Myofascial Trigger Points in Non-spesific Chronic Low Back Pain Patients

Comparison of the effects of two different exergaming systems on balance, functionality, fatigue, and quality of life in people with multiple sclerosis: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundBalance disorders, fatigue, and walking impairments are the most common symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS), which lead to a decrease in quality of life. To cope with these disability-increasing symptoms, it is important to select and regularly apply appropriate rehabilitation approaches. In recent years, virtual reality approaches have been suggested as a potentially useful tool in rehabilitation. Exergaming systems are used in the treatment of symptoms associated with MS, but there are few randomized controlled studies investigating the efficacy of these systems. ObjectiveTo investigate and compare the effects of exercise training with two different exergaming systems on balance, functionality, fatigue, and quality of life in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). MethodsForty-seven volunteer PwMS were included in the study and randomized to the group I (Nintendo Wii Fit), group II (Balance Trainer), and group III (control group). The participants in the study groups underwent an exercise program under the supervision of a physiotherapist on 2 days a week for 8 weeks. Outcome measures were the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go test (TUG), Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), and Multiple Sclerosis International Quality of Life Questionnaire (MusiQol), which were performed before and after the treatment. ResultsForty-two participants completed the study protocol. All parameters evaluated in group I and II showed statistically significant improvement after treatment. Changes in all outcome measures were found to be superior in group I compared with group III. Similarly, all measures except the 6MWT were found to be superior in group II compared with group III. Changes in BBS and MusiQol were found to be superior in group I compared with group II. ConclusionIn comparison with no intervention, exergaming with Nintendo Wii Fit and Balance Trainer improves balance, increases functionality, reduces fatigue severity, and increases quality of life in PwMS.

Pocket Skate: Prototype of a Mobile Projection-Based Game

Exergaming is the activity in which this kind of videogame relies on the technology from thebody’s movement or reaction. However, some commercial devices that provides theseengaging activities, such as XBOX Kinect and Nintendo Wii Fit, are quite expensive andconsidered luxury for many. What we propose here that is by using a typical mobile phone asthe censor/controller and combined it with a display device such as a smart TV or a laptop.By using accelerometer, gyroscope and magnetometer on a typical mobile phone we canbuild a prototype of a game that attached on players’ body and have it mirrored on a SmartTV.The researcher was able to construct a proof of concept prototype of the app. First, the userwill control a skateboard on smart TV or other wireless projection where it will receivemirror feeds from the smartphone. The smartphone itself was placed on the player hips orinside his or her pocket. To control the skateboard, user must make a small jump to make itjump or face side to side to make the skateboard change direction to avoid obstacles. Whilethe app is still a prototype, yet it was able to show how a game can use a projected-basedinterface and mixed it the use of gyroscope and accelerometer censors. Futurerecommendation would be integrating it with calories counters for it to be fully“exergaming”.

Can the Wii Fit Balance Board be Used as a Fall Risk Assessment Tool among Poststroke Patients?

BackgroundThe prevalence of falls can be as high as 73% in the stroke population. Falls occur as a result of multiple factors. Factors such as balance impairments can be improved through physical therapy intervention. However, insurance payers limit the number of visits per patient. It is crucial to find other ways to assess balance after discharge from rehabilitation. PurposeThe purpose of this study is to determine if the Nintendo Wii Fit can be used as a fall risk assessment tool among the poststroke population. MethodologyA sample of 11 stroke survivors were recruited (mean age 63.36 years). Each participant completed a balance and fall risk assessment using the Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up & Go, Four Square Step Test, Five Times Sit-to-Stand and 8-Foot Walk Test. Bivariate correlation will examine the validity of the Nintendo Wii Fit as a fall risk assessment tool in this population. ResultsThe Nintendo Wii Fit Balance Test was found to be correlated with gait speed measured by the 8-Foot Walk Test. There is no correlation between the Wii Fit Balance Tests and most common standardized fall risk measures. Standardized fall risk outcome measures also significantly correlate with each other. ConclusionsThe study suggests that while there is a potential utility of the game system to be used at home by patient and caregivers, the Wii Fit Balance Test may not be an appropriate substitute to the standardized fall risk assessment tool for stroke patients in the clinical setting.

Effects of Nintendo Wii fit game training on balance among Lebanese older adults.

Falls are the second leading cause of accidental death, with persons older than 65years being the most affected. Moreover, gait- and balance-related problems represent the most consistent predictors of future falls. The aim was to determine the effects of Wii fit game training on dynamic and static balance among Lebanese older adults. A randomized-controlled trial was conducted over a period of 8weeks, where institutionalized older adults with no history of falls were randomized into two groups. The participants of each group were carefully followed up during the intervention and data collection periods. The intervention group was trained for standing balance during a 40-min session, starting with the "Soccer Heading" game during the first 4 weeks, followed by the "Table Tilt" game for the remaining 4 weeks. Timed up-and-go (TUG) test and the Nintendo Wii Balance Board were used to measure the dynamic and static balance, respectively, both at baseline and post-intervention. Sixty-four participants recruited from both, the Tyre and Saida districts were enrolled in the study. Within-group comparison of TUG test values between baseline and post-intervention; both groups showed an extremely significant difference (P = 0.000). Similarly, the between-group comparison showed a significant difference (P = 0.013). Concerning the center of pressure measures, only the intervention group showed a very significant improvement between baseline and post-intervention measures (P = 0.002). Wii fit balance training is a valid method for improving both dynamic and static balance among Lebanese older adults.