title: Wii-based Balance Therapy to Improve Balance Function of Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Pilot Study.
abstract: [Purpose] Cerebral palsy is a sensorimotor disorder that affects the control of posture and movement. The Nintendo(®) Wii Fit offers an inexpensive, enjoyable, suitable alternative to more complex systems for children with cerebral palsy. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacacy of Wii-based balance therapy for children with ambulatory cerebral palsy. [Subjects] This pilot study design included fourteen ambulatory patients with cerebral palsy (11 males, 3 females; mean age 12.07 ± 3.36 years). [Methods] Balance functions before and after treatment were evaluated using one leg standing, the functional reach test, the timed up and go test, and the 6-minute walking test. The physiotherapist prescribed the Wii Fit activities,and supervised and supported the patients during the therapy sessions. Exercises were performed in a standardized program 2 times a week for 12 weeks. [Results] Balance ability of every patient improved. Statistically significant improvements were found in all outcome measures after 12 weeks. [Conclusion] The results suggest that the Nintendo(®) Wii Fit provides a safe, enjoyable, suitable and effective method that can be added to conventional treatments to improve the static balance of patients with cerebral palsy; however, further work is required.
authors.affiliation: Program of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Institude of Health Science, Istanbul University.
authors.forename: Devrim
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Tarakci
authors.forename: Arzu Razak
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Ozdincler
authors.forename: Ela
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Tarakci
authors.forename: Fatih
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Tutuncuoglu
authors.forename: Meral
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ozmen
keywords: Balance; Cerebral palsy; Nintendo® Wii Fit