Clinical Feasibility of Interactive Commercial Nintendo Gaming for Chronic Stroke Rehabilitation

Abstract

Abstract.[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of interactive games played on a Nintendo Wii on postural control, motor function and functional independence of chronic stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty chronic stroke patients were recruited for this study. The subjects were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group played interactive games using the Nintendo Wii for 30 minutes a day, 3 times a week, for 3 weeks, whereas the control group did not play interactive games. Result measures included the postural assessment scale, the modified motor assessment scale and the functional independence measure.[Results] There were significant differences in the postural assessment scale and modified motor assessment scale scores of both groups after the intervention, and between the control group and the experimental group after the intervention. However, there were no significant differences in functional independence measure scores.[Conclusion] An interactive game played on a Nintendo Wii appears to be an effective intervention for improvement of chronic stroke patients' functional results. Therefore, research into the most effective type of Wii game and the clinical significance should continue.

The Use of Nintendo Wii in the Rehabilitation of Poststroke Patients: A Systematic Review

“…11,14 However, in the study of Barcala et al 14 both groups after intervention showed a significant improvement after use of Wii Fit games (platform, fish, and rope).…”

“…In this line, Kim et al 11 concluded that NW appears to be an effective intervention to improve motor function in poststroke chronic patients, as they observed a significant improvement (P ,.05) in the Modified Motor Assessment Scale after 3 weeks of treatment with the Wii Sports' games (tennis and boxing) in the experimental group (34.70 6 6.20) compared to controls (33.57 6 1:51).…”

“…10 Therefore, some studies have explored its value in treating these patients to fill gaps concerning the evidence on its contribution to the main impairments arising from stroke, such as muscle strength, balance, and functional independence. 5,[11][12][13][14] However, there is still a need to establish its effectiveness as a therapeutic option in the rehabilitation of patients who have been affected by stroke impairments. Thus, the present study aimed at systematically reviewing the evidence to assess the effectiveness of treatment with NW in motor function, balance, and functional independence of poststroke patients and identifying which games are used in therapy.…”

Is Nintendo Wii an Effective Intervention for Individuals With Stroke? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…However, minor side effects were reported: 3 participants complained of increased spasticity 25 and some participants appeared to be at risk of losing balance, as they were too engrossed with the games. 25 The authors recommended that ample supervision should be provided when using Wii as an intervention for patients with stroke. 25 …”

“…25 The authors recommended that ample supervision should be provided when using Wii as an intervention for patients with stroke. 25 …”