Efficacy of Wii-Fit on Static and Dynamic Balance in Community Dwelling Older Veterans: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial.
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ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Padala KP
PROVIDER: S-EPMC5316445 | biostudies-literature | 2017
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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Efficacy of Wii-Fit on Static and Dynamic Balance in Community Dwelling Older Veterans: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial.
Padala Kalpana P KP Padala Prasad R PR Lensing Shelly Y SY Dennis Richard A RA Bopp Melinda M MM Parkes Christopher M CM Garrison Mark K MK Dubbert Patricia M PM Roberson Paula K PK Sullivan Dennis H DH
Journal of aging research 20170205
<i>Background/Objectives</i>. Balance problems are well-established modifiable risk factors for falls, which are common in older adults. The objective of this study was to establish the efficacy of a Wii-Fit interactive video-game-led physical exercise program to improve balance in older Veterans. <i>Methods</i>. A prospective randomized controlled parallel-group trial was conducted at Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Thirty community dwelling Veterans aged 68 (±6.7) years were randomized to eit ...[more]
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Project description:BackgroundSeveral studies have reported that using the Wii™ Balance Board can provide added value regarding balance (re-)training in neurological diseases. However, for the large group of mobile older stroke survivors, there is no evidence regarding the feasibility of an unsupervised Wii™ Balance Board training in the home setting. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of a home-based Wii™ balance training for these patients and to identify methodological challenges for randomised controlled trials in the future.MethodsWe conducted a pilot randomised controlled trial with two intervention arms in participants' homes. Mobile stroke survivors (aged 60 years or above; 12 weeks after discharge from hospital) received a 6-week (once per week) supervised balance training at the study centre, followed by a 6-week (three times per week) unsupervised balance training at home. We used the Nintendo Wii™ Balance Board for one intervention arm and conventional balance exercises for the other intervention arm. Feasibility was assessed by recruiting rates, appropriateness of assessments regarding sensitivity to changes and acceptance of the intervention by the participants.ResultsIn two German hospital stroke units, 349 stroke survivors were screened over a period of 6 months, 91 were eligible and 52 were interested. Twelve weeks after discharge, 14 participants agreed and 11 completed the intervention (7 men and 4 women, mean age 74 years). The Berg Balance Scale and Dynamic Gait Index showed ceiling effects already at baseline measure. The participants in both intervention arms evaluated the unsupervised training positively and feasible for self-application. No falls or injuries occurred over the intervention period, while the required scope of the exercises could largely be achieved.ConclusionsIn this pilot study, the recruitment of participants and the chosen assessments were not satisfactory due to selection bias and corresponding ceiling effects. However, the two home-based balance interventions proved feasible for mobile older stroke survivors with low functional limitations.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02251470. Registered 29 September 2014.
| S-EPMC6109315 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Background and objectivesThe Wii Balance Board (WBB) is a globally accessible device that shows promise as a clinically useful balance assessment tool. Although the WBB has been found to be comparable to a laboratory-grade force platform for obtaining centre of pressure data, it has not been comprehensively studied in clinical populations. The aim of this study was to investigate the measurement properties of tests utilising the WBB in people after stroke.MethodsThirty individuals who were more than three months post-stroke and able to stand unsupported were recruited from a single outpatient rehabilitation facility. Participants performed standardised assessments incorporating the WBB and customised software (static stance with eyes open and closed, static weight-bearing asymmetry, dynamic mediolateral weight shifting and dynamic sit-to-stand) in addition to commonly employed clinical tests (10 Metre Walk Test, Timed Up and Go, Step Test and Functional Reach) on two testing occasions one week apart. Test-retest reliability and construct validity of the WBB tests were investigated.ResultsAll WBB-based outcomes were found to be highly reliable between testing occasions (ICC = 0.82 to 0.98). Correlations were poor to moderate between WBB variables and clinical tests, with the strongest associations observed between task-related activities, such as WBB mediolateral weight shifting and the Step Test.ConclusionsThe WBB, used with customised software, is a reliable and potentially useful tool for the assessment of balance and weight-bearing asymmetry following stroke. Future research is recommended to further investigate validity and responsiveness.
| S-EPMC4277284 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ObjectiveTo assess the effect of exercise training by using the Nintendo Wii Fit video game and balance board system on balance and gait in adults with Parkinson disease (PD).DesignA prospective interventional cohort study.SettingAn outpatient group exercise class.ParticipantsTen subjects with PD, Hoehn and Yahr stages 2.5 or 3, with a mean age of 67.1 years; 4 men, 6 women.InterventionsThe subjects participated in supervised group exercise sessions 3 times per week for 8 weeks by practicing 3 different Wii balance board games (marble tracking, skiing, and bubble rafting) adjusted for their individualized function level. The subjects trained for 10 minutes per game, a total of 30 minutes training per session.Main outcome measurementsPre-and postexercise training, a physical therapist evaluated subjects' function by using the Berg Balance Scale, Dynamic Gait Index, and Sharpened Romberg with eyes open and closed. Postural sway was assessed at rest and with tracking tasks by using the Wii balance board. The subjects rated their confidence in balance by using the Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale and depression on the Geriatric Depression Scale.ResultsBalance as measured by the Berg Balance Scale improved significantly, with an increase of 3.3 points (P = .016). The Dynamic Gait Index improved as well (mean increase, 2.8; P = .004), as did postural sway measured with the balance board (decreased variance in stance with eyes open by 31%; P = .049). Although the Sharpened Romberg with eyes closed increased by 6.85 points and with eyes opened by 3.3 points, improvements neared significance only for eyes closed (P = .07 versus P = .188). There were no significant changes on patient ratings for the Activities-specific Balance Confidence (mean decrease, -1%; P = .922) or the Geriatric Depression Scale (mean increase, 2.2; P = .188).ConclusionsAn 8-week exercise training class by using the Wii Fit balance board improved selective measures of balance and gait in adults with PD. However, no significant changes were seen in mood or confidence regarding balance.
| S-EPMC4114762 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Walking is one of the daily activities that may cause falling in older adults. We developed a novel dynamic balance training program using a perturbation-based training on a custom-made treadmill, which can generate forward, backward, and lateral sway perturbations during walking. The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in the balance performance of community-dwelling older adults after 8-weeks of perturbation-based balance training. A three-dimensional motion analysis system was used to collect kinematic and kinetic data. Seventeen community-dwelling older adults performed quiet standing with and without the balance perturbation. Biomechanical parameters such as center of pressure (COP) and center of mass (COM) were calculated. A paired t-test was used to compare the difference in balance performance before and after the training. After training, the results showed that the COM control of the older adults was significantly improved during quiet standing with perturbation, while the COP control during quiet standing without perturbation was not changed. The perturbation-based balance training exerted a positive effect on dynamic balance control in older adults. This translational research offers a new paradigm of balance training and can be applied to patient populations who have a high risk of falling.
| S-EPMC6250668 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundFalls and fall-related injuries are not uncommon among older adults and may lead to serious health deterioration and decreased quality of life. Numerous types of physical activity have been proposed to improve balance and strength in older adults with varying degrees of success. Nintendo's Wii Fit video exergame uses body movement as a game controller and provides real-time feedback for games designed to enhance balance and muscle strength. However, whether Wii Fit exercise improves the balance and lower limb muscle strength of older adults remains uncertain.ObjectiveTo evaluate the current literature by using meta-analyses to assess whether Wii Fit exercise is associated with improved balance and lower limb muscle strength in older adults.MethodsWe searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang Data from inception to February 16, 2022, for relevant studies and conducted a manual search of the literature. Data extraction of the included studies were independently performed by two authors. The methodologic quality of each included study was assessed using the Physical Therapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. Meta-analyses were conducted using Review Manager 5.3.ResultsOf 991 articles initially identified, 10 articles (379 participants; aged ≥65 years, range 65-92 years; 188 participants in Wii Fit exercise groups, and 191 participants in control groups), including 8 randomized controlled trials, were assessed in this meta-analysis. The methodologic quality of the included studies evaluated with the PEDro average score was 6.4 and ranged from 5 to 8 points, indicating moderate quality. Compared with no exercise, Wii Fit exercise was associated with significant improved scores on the Berg Balance Scale, which evaluates functional balance (mean difference, 1.38; 95% CI, 0.61-2.16; I 2 = 31%; P = 0.0005) and on the Timed Up and Go test, which evaluates static and dynamic balance (standardized mean difference, -0.51; 95% CI,-0.88 to -0.14; I 2 = 52%; P = 0.007). However, for the three studies assessed, Wii Fit exercise did not significantly improve scores on the 30-s chair stand test, which evaluates the functional strength and endurance of the lower limb muscles (mean difference, 0.82; 95% CI, -0.14 to 1.77; z = 1.68; P = 0.09).ConclusionsOur findings indicated that Wii Fit exercise is an effective approach to improve functional, static, and dynamic balance among older adults. Additional meta-analyzes with higher numbers of randomized controlled trials are suggested to confirm the benefits of Wii Fit exercise on balance in older adults, to establish whether functional strength and endurance of lower limb muscles are improved, and to explore the relationship between improved balance and fall prevention in this population.
| S-EPMC9120538 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Background and purposeAnkle function declines with age. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between ankle function and balance in older adults, with a focus on range of motion (ROM) and strength.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study that included 88 healthy community-dwelling older adults. Ankle mobility was measured while bearing weight (lunge test) and not bearing weight. The plantar-flexor muscle strength was assessed using a hand-held dynamometer. Balance was measured in terms of dynamic balance and mobility (timed up and go test), monopodal and bipodal static balance with open and closed eyes (single-leg stand test and platform measures), and margins of stability (functional reach test). Linear correlation and multiple regression analyses were conducted with a 95% CI.Results and discussionMost participants had limited ankle mobility (n = 75, 86%). Weight-bearing ankle dorsiflexion ROM was the strongest predictor of dynamic balance and included general mobility and stability ([Formula: see text] = [0.34]; β = [-0.50]). In contrast, plantar-flexor muscle strength was a significant predictor of static standing balance with open eyes ([Formula: see text] = [0.16-0.2]; β = [0.29-0.34]). Overall, weight-bearing ankle dorsiflexion ROM was a more representative measure of balance and functional performance; however, a non-weight-bearing mobility assessment provides complementary information. Therefore, both measures can be used in clinical practice.ConclusionThis study supports the concept that ankle mobility contributes to the performance of dynamic tasks, while the plantar-flexor muscle strength helps to develop a standing static balance. Identification of alterations in ankle function is warranted and may assist in the design of tailored interventions. These interventions can be used in isolation or to augment conventional balance training in order to improve balance performance in community-dwelling older adults.
| S-EPMC7932177 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Background and Objectives:Increased fall risk in older adults is associated with declining balance. Previous work showed that brief postural instructions can affect balance control in older adults with Parkinson's disease. Here, we assessed the effects of brief instructions on static and dynamic balance in healthy older adults. Research Design and Methods:Nineteen participants practiced three sets of instructions, then attempted to implement each instructional set during: (1) quiet standing on foam for 30 s with eyes open; (2) a 3-s foot lift. "Light" instructions relied on principles of reducing excess tension while encouraging length. "Effortful" instructions relied on popular concepts of effortful posture correction. "Relax" instructions encouraged minimization of effort. We measured kinematics and muscle activity. Results:During quiet stance, Effortful instructions increased mediolateral jerk and path length. In the foot lift task, Light instructions led to the longest foot-in-air duration and the smallest anteroposterior variability of the center of mass, Relax instructions led to the farthest forward head position, and Effortful instructions led to the highest activity in torso muscles. Discussion and Implications:Thinking of upright posture as effortless may reduce excessive co-contractions and improve static and dynamic balance, while thinking of upright posture as inherently effortful may make balance worse. This may partly account for the benefits of embodied mindfulness practices such as tai chi and Alexander technique for balance in older adults. Pending larger-scale replication, this discovery may enable physiotherapists and teachers of dance, exercise, and martial arts to improve balance and reduce fall risk in their older students and clients simply by modifying how they talk about posture.
| S-EPMC7092748 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundThe majority of older veterans do not meet the minimum healthy diet or physical activity recommendations despite known benefits. Identifying ways to increase adherence to programs that improve dietary quality and physical activity may reduce the risk of disability in older veterans. Peer-based interventions may be one method for facilitating lasting behavior change because peers often share a common culture and knowledge regarding problems their community experiences.ObjectiveThis study aims to develop, pilot, and evaluate a theory-driven, 12-week, peer-led nutrition and exercise intervention that targets older veterans with dysmobility and assess its feasibility in 2 diverse urban areas with underrepresented populations.MethodsCommunity-dwelling veterans aged >65 years with self-reported dysmobility (defined as difficulty in at least 1 of the following: walking quickly across a street, walking a mile, ascending a flight of stairs, rising from a chair without the use of arms, or a fear of falling) from 2 Department of Veterans Affairs Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinic Centers (Baltimore, Maryland, and San Antonio, Texas) will be eligible to participate. First, this study will use validated mixed methods via web-based surveys (n=50 per site) to assess potential physical, social or environmental, and behavioral or lifestyle barriers that affect physical activity and dietary quality (phase 1). Next, we will use knowledge gained from these assessments and feedback from a focus group (n=10 per site) to adapt established Department of Veterans Affairs diet and exercise program materials to develop peer-led intervention materials and train peer leaders (n=3 per site). Finally, we will determine the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention to assess reach (recruitment and retention), adoption (satisfaction, perceived utility, attendance, and engagement), and implementation (fidelity of intervention), as well as the estimated magnitude and potential impact on selected outcomes (ie, diet quality and mobility) in 20 older veterans with dysmobility (n=10 per site).ResultsThe study was funded on January 1, 2022, with a projected data collection period of June 1, 2022, to December 31, 2023.ConclusionsThis study offers an innovative approach to identifying strategies that increase long-term adherence to lifestyle modification programs that improve dietary quality and physical activity in older veterans with dysmobility.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT04994938; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04994938.International registered report identifier (irrid)PRR1-10.2196/39192.
| S-EPMC9330205 | biostudies-literature
Project description:OBJECTIVES:To investigate whether balance and mobility training at home using Wii Fit is feasible and can provide clinical benefits. DESIGN:Single-group, pre-post intervention study. SETTING:Participants' home. PARTICIPANTS:20 children with cerebral palsy (6-12?years). INTERVENTION:Participants undertook 8 weeks of home-based Wii Fit training in addition to usual care. MAIN MEASURES:Feasibility was determined by adherence, performance, acceptability and safety. Clinical outcomes were strength, balance, mobility and participation measured at baseline (preintervention) and 8 weeks (postintervention). RESULTS:The training was feasible with 99% of training completed; performance on all games improved; parents understood the training (4/5), it did not interfere in life (3.8/5), was challenging (3.9/5) and would recommend it (3.9/5); and there were no injurious falls. Strength increased in dorsiflexors (Mean Difference (MD) 2.2?N m, 95%?CI 1.1 to 3.2, p<0.001), plantarflexors (MD 2.2?N m, 95%?CI 1.3 to 3.1, p<0.001) and quadriceps (MD 7.8?N m, 95%?CI 5.2 to 10.5, p<0.001). Preferred walking speed increased (MD 0.25 m/s, 95%?CI 0.09 to 0.41, p<0.01), fast speed increased (MD 0.24 m/s, 95%?CI 0.13 to 0.35, p<0.001) and distance over 6?min increased (MD 28?m, 95%?CI 10 to 45, p<0.01). Independence in participation increased (MD 1.4 out of 40, 95%?CI 0.0 to 2.8, p=0.04). CONCLUSIONS:Balance and mobility training at home using Wii Fit was feasible and safe and has the potential to improve strength and mobility, suggesting that a randomised trial is warranted. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER:ACTRN12616001362482.
| S-EPMC5961583 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundImpaired balance has a significant negative impact on mobility, functional independence, and fall risk in older adults. Although several, well-respected balance measures are currently in use, there is limited evidence regarding the most appropriate measure to assess change in community-dwelling older adults.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to compare floor and ceiling effects, sensitivity to change, and responsiveness across the following balance measures in community-dwelling elderly people with functional limitations: Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment total scale (POMA-T), POMA balance subscale (POMA-B), and Dynamic Gait Index (DGI).DesignRetrospective data from a 16-week exercise trial were used. Secondary analyses were conducted on the total sample and by subgroups of baseline functional limitation or baseline balance scores.MethodsParticipants were 111 community-dwelling older adults 65 years of age or older, with functional limitations. Sensitivity to change was assessed using effect size, standardized response mean, and paired t tests. Responsiveness was assessed using minimally important difference (MID) estimates.ResultsNo floor effects were noted. Ceiling effects were observed on all measures, including in people with moderate to severe functional limitations. The POMA-T, POMA-B, and DGI showed significantly larger ceiling effects compared with the BBS. All measures had low sensitivity to change in total sample analyses. Subgroup analyses revealed significantly better sensitivity to change in people with lower compared with higher baseline balance scores. Although both the total sample and lower baseline balance subgroups showed statistically significant improvement from baseline to 16 weeks on all measures, only the lower balance subgroup showed change scores that consistently exceeded corresponding MID estimates.LimitationsThis study was limited to comparing 4 measures of balance, and anchor-based methods for assessing MID could not be reported.ConclusionsImportant limitations, including ceiling effects and relatively low sensitivity to change and responsiveness, were noted across all balance measures, highlighting their limited utility across the full spectrum of the community-dwelling elderly population. New, more challenging measures are needed for better discrimination of balance ability in community-dwelling elderly people at higher functional levels.
| S-EPMC3291380 | biostudies-literature