http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/g4h.2012.0069
ABSTRACT
Objective: Balance deficits following stroke are common and debilitating. Commercially available gaming systems, such as the Nintendo®
(Kyoto, Japan) Wii™, have been widely adopted clinically; however,
there is limited evidence supporting their feasibility and efficacy for
improving balance performance following stroke. The aim of this trial is
to investigate the clinical feasibility and efficacy of using the
Nintendo Wii gaming system as an adjunct to standard care to improve
balance performance following stroke in an inpatient rehabilitation
setting.
Subjects and Methods: Thirty participants undergoing inpatient stroke rehabilitation will be recruited into this Phase II, single-blind, randomized controlled trial. Participants will be allocated into a Balance or Upper Limb Group, and both groups will perform activities using the Nintendo Wii in addition to their standard care. Participants will attend three 45-minute sessions per week, for a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 4 weeks.
Results: The main focus of the study is to investigate the feasibility of the intervention protocol. This will be evaluated through recruitment, retention, adherence, acceptability, and safety. The Step Test and Functional Reach Test will be the primary efficacy outcomes. Secondary outcomes will include force platform, mobility, and upper limb measures. Assessments will occur at baseline, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks after study entry.
Subjects and Methods: Thirty participants undergoing inpatient stroke rehabilitation will be recruited into this Phase II, single-blind, randomized controlled trial. Participants will be allocated into a Balance or Upper Limb Group, and both groups will perform activities using the Nintendo Wii in addition to their standard care. Participants will attend three 45-minute sessions per week, for a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 4 weeks.
Results: The main focus of the study is to investigate the feasibility of the intervention protocol. This will be evaluated through recruitment, retention, adherence, acceptability, and safety. The Step Test and Functional Reach Test will be the primary efficacy outcomes. Secondary outcomes will include force platform, mobility, and upper limb measures. Assessments will occur at baseline, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks after study entry.
Discussion: To the authors'
knowledge, this will be the largest randomized clinical trial to
investigate the feasibility and efficacy of the Nintendo Wii gaming
system for improving balance performance in a stroke population. The
results will inform the design of a Phase III multicenter trial.
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