Home-based Balance Training Using Wii Fit After Stroke: A Feasibility Study (WiiMobil)

The Application of a Video-game System (Nintendo Wii®) as an Independent Exercise Program to Improve Mobility After Stroke - a Randomized Phase II Trial

BACKGROUND: Virtual gaming systems offer new possibilities for home-based exercises (HBE) in rehabilitation. Pilot studies with stroke patients indicate that the application of Nintendo Wii® (WII) is practicable and can improve balance under clinical conditions. However, larger trials are necessary to verify these positive effects after discharge from the hospital. AIM: This study aims to prepare and optimize a phase III trial which compares the effects of two HBE programs for stroke patients. METHODS: A pilot study with randomized control design and repeated measures over three-months will be conducted. Twenty elderly stroke patients will be randomly allocated to an experimental group (EG) and a control group (CG). All participants will receive an introduction to a HBE program by an individual mentoring over 6 weeks. During the following 6 weeks the participants perform the HBE on their own. The EG will perform a balance exercise program using the WII, the CG will perform a balance exercise program without technical support. Recruiting potential, the participants' acceptance of the intervention and economic aspects will be examined. Additionally, basic information about sensitivity of change and potential effect sizes regarding the proposed instruments to measure mobility are expected.

stroke, balance, exer-gaming, home-based exercises, Wii, postural balance, Nintendo, balance board, Wii-Fit, home, feasibility

Participants receive an introduction of using the Nintendo Wii by an individual mentoring for over 6 weeks (a total of 6 sessions á 60 minutes). During the following 6 weeks the participants perform the balance exercise program (wii-fit balances games) at home (instruction: min. 3 times a week for each 30 minutes).

Participants receive an introduction for conventional/traditional balance exercise by an individual mentoring for over 6 weeks (a total of 6 sessions á 60 minutes). During the following 6 weeks the participants perform the balance exercise program (exercises in standing and walking) at home (instruction: min. 3 times a week for each 30 minutes).

Recruiting potential, the participants' acceptance/satisfaction of the intervention and economic aspects

Berg Balance Scale, Dynamic Gait Index, Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test, Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale

Inclusion Criteria: cerebral infarction place of residence: Halle (Saale) and immediate surroundings television in household independent ambulatory (functional ambulation classification > 3) self-selected walking speed > 0,4 m/s Exclusion Criteria: Strong visual impairment despite visual aid Deafness / verbal communication is not possible distinct mobility limitations due to comorbidity Body weight >120kg Epilepsy Cardiac pacemaker Acute psychiatric, disease/dementia

Golla A, Muller T, Wohlfarth K, Jahn P, Mattukat K, Mau W. Home-based balance training using Wii Fit: a pilot randomised controlled trial with mobile older stroke survivors. Pilot Feasibility Stud. 2018 Aug 25;4:143. doi: 10.1186/s40814-018-0334-0. eCollection 2018.