title: The effect of the Nintendo Wii Fit and exercise in improving balance and quality of life in community dwelling elders.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study compared the effect of Nintendo Wii Fit to the Matter of Balance program, a valid and reliable program, on improving balance, and well-being to decrease the risk of falls.
  
  
  METHODS
  Residents of an independent living senior housing facility were recruited and thirty-two residents ages 63 to 90 participated. Participants were separated into three groups: (1) Wii Fit group (n=11) completed balance games on the Wii Fit in individual sessions twice a week and supplemental home exercises; (2) Matter of Balance Group (n=11) completed exercises from the Matter of Balance Program in a group setting twice a week; (3) Control group (n=10) received no intervention. Intervention lasted three weeks.
  
  
  RESULTS
  One-way ANOVA's were completed. Scores from the assessments were not statistically significant at post-test Berg Balance Scale (p=0.837); Tinetti Gait and Balance Assessment (p=0.913); SF-36 (p=0.256). Results from a self-report demonstrated that Wii Fit is an enjoyable form of exercise for an elderly population.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although, the interventions failed to significantly increase balance, with an increase in intervention duration of Wii Fit or Matter of Balance balance may be improved. Although results were not significant this study adds to the growing body of evidence regarding the use of Wii Fit as a rehabilitation tool.
authors.affiliation: Boston University, Haskell, NJ, USA.
authors.forename: Jessie R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Franco
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Jacobs
authors.forename: Catrina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Inzerillo
authors.forename: JoAnn
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kluzik
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D040561:Assisted Living Facilities; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D004856:Postural Balance; D011788:Quality of Life; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D018910:Video Games