Effects of Wii balance board exercises on balance after posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Abstract

Purpose: To establish the effects of training on Wii balance board (WBB) after posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction on balance.

Methods: Included patient injured her posterior cruciate ligament 22 months prior to the study. Training on WBB was performed 4 weeks, 6 times per week, 30-45 min per day. Center of pressure (CoP) sway during parallel and one-leg stance, and body weight distribution in parallel stance were measured. Additionally, measurements of joint range of motion and limb circumferences were taken before and after training.

Results: After training, the body weight was almost equally distributed on both legs. Decrease in CoP sway was most significant for one-leg stance with each leg on compliant surface with eyes open and closed. The knee joint range of motion increased and limb circumferences decreased.

Conclusion: According to the results of this single case report, we might recommend the use of WBB for balance training after PCL reconstruction.

Level of evidence: Case series with no comparison group, Level IV.