title: Randomized comparison trial of balance training by using exergaming and conventional weight-shift therapy in patients with chronic stroke.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare the effects of exergaming with conventional weight-shift training on balance function in patients with chronic stroke.
  
  
  METHODS
  Single-blind randomized controlled trial.
  
  
  METHODS
  Medical center.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients (N=30) with chronic stroke and balance deficits.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twelve weeks of Wii Fit training or conventional weight-shift training.
  
  
  METHODS
  Static balance was assessed using posturography. We recorded the stability index and percentage of weight bearing on the affected leg in 8 positions. We also used the timed Up and Go and forward reach tests for dynamic balance evaluation, Falls Efficacy Scale-International for fear of falling assessment, and Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale for estimating the enjoyment of training.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The exergaming group showed more improvement in stability index than the control group in head straight with eyes open while standing on a foam surface, eyes closed while standing on a solid surface with head turned 30° to the left, and eyes closed while standing on a solid surface with head turned up positions (time-group interaction P=.02, .04, and .03, respectively); however, the effects were not maintained. At 3-month follow-up, the control group showed more improvement in weight-bearing symmetry in the head straight with eyes open while standing on a solid surface position than the exergaming group (time-group interaction P=.03). Both groups showed improvement in the timed Up and Go test, forward reach test, and fear of falling. The improvement in fear of falling was not maintained. The exergaming group enjoyed training more than the control group (P=.03).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Exergaming is enjoyable and effective for patients with chronic stroke.
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Kaohsiung Medical Center, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Electronic address: hung0702@adm.cgmh.org.tw.
authors.forename: Jen-Wen
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Hung
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Kaohsiung Medical Center, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Chiung-Xia
authors.initials: CX
authors.lastname: Chou
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Kaohsiung Medical Center, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Yen-Wei
authors.initials: YW
authors.lastname: Hsieh
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Kaohsiung Medical Center, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Wen-Chi
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Kaohsiung Medical Center, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Min-Yuan
authors.initials: MY
authors.lastname: Yu
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Kaohsiung Medical Center, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Po-Chih
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Kaohsiung Medical Center, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Hsueh-Fen
authors.initials: HF
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Kaohsiung Medical Center, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Shan-Er
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Ding
mesh_terms: D002908:Chronic Disease; D004244:Dizziness / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D053580:Muscle Strength; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D004856:Postural Balance; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D018910:Video Games; D016474:Weight-Bearing
keywords: Feedback, sensory; Postural balance; Rehabilitation; Stroke; Video games