Analysis of static balance in a patient with parkinson’s disease after using Nintendo Wii Fit® games: a case study

Abstract

Introduction: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by involuntary tremors, weakness, festive gait, due to impaired balance, and neuropsychiatric disorders. Baropodometer and stabilometer are used to measure the strength of the feet and analyze the gravitational displacement, respectively. The Nintendo Wii® allows playful interaction to exercise balance. Objectives: To analyze static balance of PD patients after using Wii Fit® pre and post intervention. Methods: The baropodometric and stabilometric evaluation before and after the intervention took place at the University of Fortaleza. Plantar surface, mass division and pressures were evaluated with a baropodometer. Static balance was assessed with a stabilometer. The games used were Penguin Slide, Table Tilt Plus, Tilt City. Results: The left (L) hindfoot mass division went from 16.02 to 27.51%. The anteroposterior oscillations of L foot and right (R) varied from 50 to 49%. The average pressure of R foot was 35.67 to 25.97 kpa. As the appointments passed, the scores on the Wii went up. In the static analysis, it was found the patient presented a better variation in mass division of the L hindfoot, frontal gravitational center L and R and mean pressure on the R foot. The benefits found in the applicability of Wii Fit® as a therapeutic tool result in improvement in correction of posture and balance, enabling better locomotion and motivating the patient. Conclusion: The interaction with virtual reality in a patient with PD is promising for complementary motor treatment, as it delays the evolution of symptoms, improving static balance and providing greater functionality.