http://www.jneuroengrehab.com/content/10/1/74/abstract
Abstract (provisional)
Background
Weight bearing asymmetry is common in patients with neurological conditions, and recent
advances in gaming technology have produced force platforms that are suitable for
use in a clinical setting. The aim of this research is to determine whether commercially-available
Wii Balance Boards with customized software providing real-time feedback could be
used in a clinical setting to evaluate and improve weight-bearing asymmetry in people
with various neurological conditions.
Methods
Twenty participants (age = 43.25 +/- 19.37 years) receiving physiotherapy as a result
of a neurological condition performed three trials each of two tasks (static standing
and sit-to-stand) with and without visual feedback. Vertical forces were measured
using available Wii Balance Boards coupled with customized software that displayed
visual feedback in real-time. Primary outcome measures included weight-bearing asymmetry
as a percentage of body mass, peak force symmetry index, and a visual analogue scale
score rating self-perceived level of asymmetry.
Results
Weight-bearing asymmetry during the static balance task was significantly reduced
(Z = -2.912, p = 0.004, ES = 0.65) with visual feedback. There was no significant
difference (Z = -0.336, p = 0.737) with visual feedback for the dynamic task, however
subgroup analysis indicated that those with higher weight-bearing asymmetry responded
the most to feedback. Correlation analysis revealed little or no relationship between
participant perception of weight-bearing asymmetry and the results for the static
or dynamic balance task (Spearman's rho: rho = 0.138, p = 0.561 and rho = 0.018, rho
=0.940 respectively).
Conclusions
These findings suggest that weight-bearing asymmetry can be reduced during static
tasks in patients with neurological conditions using inexpensive commercially-available
Wii Balance Boards coupled with customized visual feedback software. Further research
is needed to determine whether real-time visual feedback is appropriate for reducing
dynamic weight-bearing asymmetry, whether improvements result in improved physical
function, and how cognitive and physical impairments influence the patient's ability
to respond to treatment.
No comments:
Post a Comment