Work

The effect of the Nintendo Wii Fit on balance control and gross motor function of children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy

Year: 2012

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To study the impact of training using the Nintendo Wii Fit in 14 children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy. METHODS: A single-subject single blinded design with multiple subjects and baselines was utilised. Interactive video gaming (IVG) in lieu of regular physiotherapy was given for 3 weeks. Outcome measures included modified balance and running speed and agility (RSA) scales of the Bruininks-Oserestky test of Motor Performance 2 and the timed up and down stairs (TUDS). RESULTS: Balances score improved significantly (F(2, 26) = 9.8286, p = 0.001). Changes over time in the RSA (F(2, 26) = 0.86198, p = 0.434) and the TUDS (F(2, 26) = 1.3862, p = 0.268) were not significant. Ten children preferred the intervention to conventional physiotherapy. CONCLUSION: Most children preferred the IVG but as the effect did not carry over into function, IVG should not be used in place of conventional therapy and further research is needed into its use as an adjunct to therapy.

Source: Developmental Neurorehabilitation

DOI: 10.3109/17518423.2012.711781

Authors: Jennifer Jelsma, Marieke Pronk, Gillian Ferguson, Dorothee Jelsma-Smit

Institutions: University of Cape Town, UCLouvain, KU Leuven, University of Groningen

Language: English

Topic: Cerebral Palsy and Movement Disorders

Subfield: Rehabilitation

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: EuroQol Research Foundation, University of Cape Town