Home-based balance training programme using Wii Fit with balance board for Parkinsons's disease: a pilot study.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

To evaluate the effects of a home-based balance training programme using visual feedback (Nintendo Wii Fit game with balance board) on balance and functional abilities in subjects with Parkinson's disease, and to compare the effects with a group of paired healthy subjects.

SUBJECTS:

Ten subjects with moderate Parkinson's disease and 8 healthy elderly subjects.

METHODS:

Subjects participated in a 6-week home-based balance training programme using Nintendo Wii Fit and balance board. Baseline measures were taken before training for the Sit-to-Stand test (STST), Timed-Up-and-Go (TUG), Tinetti Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA), 10-m walk test, Community Balance and Mobility assessment (CBM), Activities-specific Balance and Confidence scale (ABC), unipodal stance duration, and a force platform. All measurements were taken again after 3 and 6 weeks of training.

RESULTS:

The Parkinson's disease group significantly improved their results in TUG, STST, unipodal stance, 10-m walk test, CBM, POMA and force platform at the end of the 6-week training programme. The healthy subjects group significantly improved in TUG, STST, unipodal stance and CBM.

CONCLUSION:

This pilot study suggests that a home-based balance programme using Wii Fit with balance board could improve static and dynamic balance, mobility and functional abilities of people affected by Parkinson's disease.

• Authors: Jean-Francois Esculier, Joanie Vaudrin, Patrick Bériault, Karine Gagnon, Louis E Tremblay
• Journal: Journal of rehabilitation medicine (J Rehabil Med) Vol. 44 Issue 2 Pg. 144-50 (Feb 2012) ISSN: 1651-2081 [Electronic] Sweden
• PMID: 22266676 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Exercise Therapy (methods)
• Humans
• Middle Aged
• Movement
• Parkinson Disease (physiopathology, rehabilitation)
• Pilot Projects
• Postural Balance
• Video Games
• Walking