A randomized controlled trial to evaluate the feasibility of the Wii Fit for improving walking in older adults with lower limb amputation

Abstract

The results suggested the feasibility of the Wii.n.Walk with a medium effect size for improving walking capacity. Future larger randomized controlled trials investigating efficacy are warranted.

A systematic review of active video games on rehabilitative outcomes among older patients

“…The characteristics of included studies are shown in Table 2 : among the 19 studies, 8 were randomized clinical trials (RCTs), 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 2 were control trials (CTs; quasi-experimental pre–post-test design without randomization), 34 , 35 5 were 1-group pre–post-test designed studies (pre-experimental design with pre–post-test design among same participants), 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 and 4 were case studies (pre-experimental design with pre–post-test on 1 to 2 subjects only). 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 The USA was the primary location for AVG-based rehabilitation studies, 31 , 36 , 37 , 39 , 40 , 42 , 43 , 44 with 4 studies conducted in Canada, 26 , 27 , 28 , 34 2 in Brazil 29 , 35 and Australia, 32 , 41 and 1 in Singapore, 38 Turkey, 30 and Taiwan, China, 33 respectively. A majority ( n = 17; 89%) of the articles were published after 2010, and the oldest publication was in 2008, indicating that research on AVGs and rehabilitation is a young but expanding scientific field.…”

“… 27 (2011), Canada; to determine the effect of Wii Bowling game on measures of symptom intensity, enjoyment, and physical function in patients 10 males and 24 females aged 52–97 years with upper extremity dysfunction; intervention ( n = 19), control group ( n = 15); RCT Wii Sports (Bowling) Physical outcomes: improved functional ability and movement; psychological outcome: enjoyment; cognitive outcome: decreased pain intensity NHPPT, ROM, PACES, NPR 4–20 min per week for 4 weeks Participants improved on all outcomes after intervention, but only enjoyment of activity showed a significant difference between the standard exercise and Wii groups Imam et al. 28 (2017), Canada; to assess the feasibility of Wii.n.Walk in improving walking capacity in older adults 28 participants aged 50–78 years with lower limb amputation; intervention group ( n = 14); control group ( n = 14); RTC Nintendo Wii Fit (Wii.n.Walk) Physical outcome: improved walking capacity 2MWT 3–40 min per week for 4 weeks Improvement in walking capacity for intervention group, whereas the control group's performance declined Yong et al. 38 (2010), Singapore; to assess the feasibility of using the Nintendo Wii as an adjunct to conventional rehabilitation of patients 13 males and 7 females (mean age 64.5 years) with poststroke and upper limb weakness; pre–post-test design Wii Sports (Bowling, Boxing, Tennis, Golf, Baseball) Physical outcome: improved upper limb motor function; cognitive outcome: reduced upper limb pain FMA, MAS, VAS 6–30 min per week for 2 weeks Small but statistically significant improvements in FMA and Motricity Index Score; no significant improvements seen in MAS and VAS Mendes et al.…”

“…Some of the games included were Soccer Heading, Ski Slalom, Ski Jump, Table Tilt, Penguin Slide, Balance Bubble, and Bowling. Most often, the chronic conditions and/or impairments treated with AVG-based rehabilitation included Parkinson's disease, 29 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 37 , 39 general impaired balance, 36 , 40 , 42 , 43 post-stroke status, 30 , 38 upper and lower extremity motor deficiencies, 27 , 28 frailty syndrome, 31 post-knee replacement status, 26 transfemoral amputation, 44 reducedmobility, 32 and scleroderma and severe cardiopulmonary symptoms. 41 …”

“… 27 Y Y N Y Y Y Y Y Y 8 +/NA Imam et al. 28 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y 9 + Yong et al. 38 N N Y Y Y Y N N Y 5 +/NA Mendes et al.…”

Possible Biases of Researchers’ Attitudes Toward Video Games: Publication Trends Analysis of the Medical Literature (1980–2013)

“…Many possible applications of video games, either commercial or goal-oriented (“serious games”), in the fields of health and medicine were studied in the literature: promoting health behaviors [ 14 , 15 ], motor skills and balance [ 16 , 17 ], cognitive rehabilitation [ 6 , 18 ], medical training [ 19 , 20 ], and even psychotherapy [ 21 , 22 ]. As the literature indicates the possible negative outcomes of video games, and recurrent warnings are being published by leading medical authorities [ 23 ], clinicians and policy makers face a complex challenge: to translate the possibilities and applications of video games into clinical practice and official statements, in light of the confusing and contradictory evidence.…”