Treatment of balance problems with Nintendo Wii-Fit games in multiple sclerosis patients: A pilot study

Abstract

Background: Balance disorder is a common symptom in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). It is an important problem that needs to be treated especially to increase mobility and independence and to prevent falls. The Nintendo Wii-Fit offers a simple and affordable type of virtual reality therapy that is being used increasingly in different cases, but there are not enough studies published about its efficiency in patients with MS. Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate the effects and usability of Nintendo Wii Fit games on balance problems of MS patients. Methods: 6 MS patients (median age 47 years (range 32-59), median score of Expanded Disability Status Scale 4 (range 3.5-6), median BMI 22.15 kg/m2 (range 18.96-33.77)) enrolled and participated to a balance exercise program which involved Nintendo Wii Fit games Penguin Slide, Table Tilt, Ski Slalom, Heading and Balance Bubble for 16 supervised sessions that each one takes 45 minutes. Before and after the treatment, participants evaluated by Nintendo Wii Fit + Balance Board, Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and one leg stance test. Results: After intervention statistically significant improvements founded in; one leg stance test for right (p=0.022) and left leg (p=0.029), BBS (p=0.026), Wii age (p=0.044) and Nintendo Wii Fit balance games, (Penguin Slide (p=0.003), Table Tilt (p=0.005), Ski Slalom (p=0.005), Balance Bubble (p=0.016)). No significant differences were identified between before and after treatment results considering center of gravity (COG) (COG for right leg (p=0.125), COG for left leg (p=0.125)) and Heading game (p=0.256). Conclusions: The study demonstrated that Nintendo Wii Fit games is effective for improving balance in MS patients and the results shows that the NintendoWii Fit provides a safe, enjoyable, suitable and effective method that can be added to conventional treatments to improve the static balance of patients with MS; however, further work is required. Disclosure Yonca Zenginler: nothing to disclose Ela Tarakci: nothing to disclose Devrim Tarakci: nothing to disclose Arzu Ozdincler: nothing to disclose