title: Improvements in Dynamic Balance Using an Adaptive Snowboard with the Nintendo Wii.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this case report is to see if a novel balance board could improve balance and gait of a subject with dynamic balance impairments and enjoyment of virtual rehabilitation training.
  
  
  METHODS
  A novel Adaptive Snowboard™ (developed by two of the authors, B.S. and J.D.) was used in conjunction with the Nintendo(®) (Redmond, WA) Wii™ snowboarding and wakeboarding games with a participant in a physical therapy outpatient clinic. Baseline measurements were taken for gait velocity and stride length, Four Square Step Test, Star Balance Excursion Test, Sensory Organization Test, and the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory. Two 60-90-minute sessions per week for 5 weeks included seven to nine trials of Wii snowboarding or wakeboarding games.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Improvements were seen in every outcome measure.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study had comparable results to studies performed using a wobble board in that improvements in balance were made. Use of virtual snowboard simulation improved the subject's balance, gait speed, and stride length, as well as being an enjoyable activity.
authors.affiliation: 1 Empire Health and Wellness Center , Latham, New York.
authors.forename: Brendan
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Sullivan
authors.affiliation: 2 Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, The Sage Colleges , Troy, New York.
authors.forename: Alexandra G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Harding
authors.affiliation: 3 Swansea University Medical School , Swansea, United Kingdom .
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Dingley
authors.affiliation: 2 Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, The Sage Colleges , Troy, New York.
authors.forename: Laura Z
authors.initials: LZ
authors.lastname: Gras