Changes in balance in older adults based on use of physical therapy vs the Wii Fit gaming system: a preliminary study

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of Wii Fit training on balance control in older adults compared with physical therapy training.

Design: Quasi-experimental design.

Participants: Eight males and nine females aged 53 to 91 years.

Materials and methods: Participants were divided into three groups: one group received both physical therapy training and Wii Fit training (PW group), one group received Wii Fit training alone (WI group), and one group received physical therapy training alone (PT group). Training consisted of three sessions per week for 4 weeks.

Main outcome: Berg Balance Scale (all groups) and Bubble Test (PW and WI groups) scores.

Statistical analysis: Descriptive statistics, medians, interquartile ranges and 95% confidence intervals are reported to identify trends in balance control as a result of different types of training.

Results: All subjects showed improvement in the Berg Balance Scale and Bubble Test scores. The PT and PW groups tended to perform better than the WI group on the Berg Balance Scale following treatment. Although the differences in the Bubble Test score were not substantial between the PW and WI groups, the PW group performed slightly better than the WI group on the Berg Balance Scale.

Conclusions: Wii Fit training appears to improve balance. However, physical therapy training on its own or in addition to Wii Fit training appears to improve balance to a greater extent than Wii Fit training alone.