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. 2015 Nov;27(11):3381-5.
doi: 10.1589/jpts.27.3381. Epub 2015 Nov 30.

Effects of Nintendo Wii Fit Plus training on ankle strength with functional ankle instability

Ki-Jong Kim  1 , Hyun-Ju Jun  1 , Myoung Heo  2
Affiliations

Effects of Nintendo Wii Fit Plus training on ankle strength with functional ankle instability

Ki-Jong Kim et al. J Phys Ther Sci. 2015 Nov.

Abstract

[Purpose] The objective of this study was to examine the effects of a training program using the Nintendo Wii Fit Plus on the ankle muscle strengths of subjects with functional ankle instability. [Subjects and Methods] This study was conducted using subjects in their 20s who had functional ankle instability. They were randomized to a strengthening training group and a balance training group with 10 subjects in each, and they performed an exercise using Nintendo Wii Fit Plus for 20 minutes. In addition, every participant completed preparation and finishing exercises for 5 minutes, respectively. [Results] The muscle strengths after conducting plantar flexion and dorsiflexion significantly increased at the angular velocities of 60° and 120° in the strengthening training group. Furthermore, the muscle strengths after conducting plantar flexion, dorsiflexion, eversion, and inversion significantly increased at the angular velocities of 60° and 120° in the balance training group. [Conclusion] The balance training group using Nintendo Wii Fit Plus showed better results than the strengthening training group. Consequently, it is recommended to add the balance training program of the Nintendo Wii Fit Plus to conventional exercise programs to improve ankle muscle strength in functional ankle instability at a low cost.

Keywords: Functional ankle instability; Nintendo Wii Fit Plus; Strength.

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Figures

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.
Measure of ankle strength. (A) Plantar-dorsi flexion. (B) Inversion-eversion
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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