title: The efficacy of balance training with video game-based therapy in subacute stroke patients: a randomized controlled trial.
abstract: The video game-based therapy emerged as a potential valid tool in improving balance in several neurological conditions with controversial results, whereas little information is available regarding the use of this therapy in subacute stroke patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of balance training using video game-based intervention on functional balance and disability in individuals with hemiparesis due to stroke in subacute phase. Fifty adult stroke patients participated to the study: 25 subjects were randomly assigned to balance training with Wii Fit, and the other 25 subjects were assigned to usual balance therapy. Both groups were also treated with conventional physical therapy (40 min 2 times/day). The main outcome was functional balance (Berg Balance Scale-BBS), and secondary outcomes were disability (Barthel Index-BI), walking ability (Functional Ambulation Category), and walking speed (10-meters walking test). Wii Fit training was more effective than usual balance therapy in improving balance (BBS: 53 versus 48, P = 0.004) and independency in activity of daily living (BI: 98 versus 93, P = 0.021). A balance training performed with a Wii Fit as an add on to the conventional therapy was found to be more effective than conventional therapy alone in improving balance and reducing disability in patients with subacute stroke.
authors.affiliation: Santa Lucia Foundation, I.R.C.C.S., Via Ardeatina 306, 00179 Rome, Italy ; Clinical Laboratory of Experimental Neurorehabilitation, Santa Lucia Foundation, I.R.C.C.S., Via Ardeatina 306, 00179 Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.identifier: 0000-0003-3602-4197
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Morone
authors.affiliation: Santa Lucia Foundation, I.R.C.C.S., Via Ardeatina 306, 00179 Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tramontano
authors.affiliation: Clinical Laboratory of Experimental Neurorehabilitation, Santa Lucia Foundation, I.R.C.C.S., Via Ardeatina 306, 00179 Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Marco
authors.identifier: 0000-0003-2434-3887
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Iosa
authors.affiliation: Santa Lucia Foundation, I.R.C.C.S., Via Ardeatina 306, 00179 Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Jacob
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Shofany
authors.affiliation: School of Physiotherapy, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Via Orazio Raimondo 18, 00173 Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Antonella
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Iemma
authors.affiliation: Santa Lucia Foundation, I.R.C.C.S., Via Ardeatina 306, 00179 Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Massimo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Musicco
authors.affiliation: Santa Lucia Foundation, I.R.C.C.S., Via Ardeatina 306, 00179 Rome, Italy ; Clinical Laboratory of Experimental Neurorehabilitation, Santa Lucia Foundation, I.R.C.C.S., Via Ardeatina 306, 00179 Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Stefano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Paolucci
authors.affiliation: Santa Lucia Foundation, I.R.C.C.S., Via Ardeatina 306, 00179 Rome, Italy ; Tor Vergata University of Rome, Via Orazio Raimondo 18, 00173 Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Carlo
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Caltagirone
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D004856:Postural Balance; D020521:Stroke / Q000503:physiopathology*; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D018910:Video Games