Balance Training with Wii Fit Plus for Community-Dwelling Persons 60 Years and Older

Abstract

Abstract

Objective:

This study sought to determine the effect of 6 weeks of training, using activities from the Nintendo^® (Kyoto, Japan) “Wii™ Fit Plus” disc, on balance in community-dwelling Jamaicans 60 years and older.

Materials and Methods:

A single group pretest/posttest design was used. Thirty-three subjects enrolled and 28 completed the study. Participants completed 30-minute training sessions on the Nintendo “Wii Fit” twice per week for 6 weeks. Activities used included “Obstacle Course,” “Penguin Slide,” “Soccer Heading,” “River Bubble,” “Snow Board,” “Tilt Table,” “Skate Board,” and “Yoga Single Tree Pose.” Balance was assessed with the Berg Balance Scale, the Multi Directional Reach Test, the Star Excursion Balance Test and the Modified Clinical Test for Sensory Integration in Balance.

Results:

There was significant improvement in the mean Berg Balance Scale score (P=0.004), Star Excursion Balance Test score (SEBT) (P<0.001 both legs), and Multi Directional Reach Test score (P=0.002). There was no significant change on the Modified Clinical Test for Sensory Integration in Balance.

Conclusions:

Balance games on the Nintendo “Wii Fit Plus” disc can be used as a tool for balance training in community-dwelling persons 60 years of age and older.