title: Video-games used in a group setting is feasible and effective to improve indicators of physical activity in individuals with chronic stroke: a randomized controlled trial.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the feasibility of using video-games in a group setting and to compare the effectiveness of video-games as a group intervention to a traditional group intervention for improving physical activity in individuals with chronic stroke.
  
  
  METHODS
  A single-blind randomized controlled trial with evaluations pre and post a 3-month intervention, and at 3-month follow-up. Compliance (session attendance), satisfaction and adverse effects were feasibility measures. Grip strength and gait speed were measures of physical activity. Hip accelerometers quantified steps/day and the Action Research Arm Test assessed the functional ability of the upper extremity.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Forty-seven community-dwelling individuals with chronic stroke (29-78 years) were randomly allocated to receive video-game (N=24) or traditional therapy (N=23) in a group setting. There was high treatment compliance for both interventions (video-games-78%, traditional therapy-66%), but satisfaction was rated higher for the video-game (93%) than the traditional therapy (71%) (χ(2)=4.98, P=0.026). Adverse effects were not reported in either group. Significant improvements were demonstrated in both groups for gait speed (F=3.9, P=0.02), grip strength of the weaker (F=6.67, P=0.002) and stronger hands (F=7.5, P=0.001). Daily steps and functional ability of the weaker hand did not increase in either group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Using video-games in a small group setting is feasible, safe and satisfying. Video-games improve indicators of physical activity of individuals with chronic stroke.
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Professions, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel.
authors.forename: Noa
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Givon
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurological Rehabilitation, The Chaim Sheba Medical Center at Tel-HaShomer, & Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel.
authors.forename: Gabi
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Zeilig
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurological Rehabilitation, The Chaim Sheba Medical Center at Tel-HaShomer, & Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel.
authors.forename: Harold
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Weingarden
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Professions, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel drand@post.tau.ac.il.
authors.forename: Debbie
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Rand
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease; D015444:Exercise; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D020521:Stroke / Q000503:physiopathology*; D018910:Video Games
keywords: Rehabilitation; mobility; physical activity; video games