title: Effects of Nintendo Wii-Fit®video games on balance in children with mild cerebral palsy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study compared the effects of Nintendo Wii-Fit®balance-based video games and conventional balance training in children with mild cerebral palsy (CP).
  
  
  METHODS
  This randomized controlled trial involved 30 ambulatory pediatric patients (aged 5-18 years) with CP. Participants were randomized to either conventional balance training (control group) or to Wii-Fit balance-based video games training (Wii group). Both group received neuro-developmental treatment (NDT) during 24 sessions. In addition, while the control group received conventional balance training in each session, the Wii group played Nintendo Wii Fit games such as ski slalom, tightrope walk and soccer heading on balance board. Primary outcomes were Functional Reach Test (forward and sideways), Sit-to-Stand Test and Timed Get up and Go Test. Nintendo Wii Fit balance, age and game scores, 10 m walk test, 10-step climbing test and Wee-Functional Independence Measure (Wee FIM) were secondary outcomes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After the treatment, changes in balance scores and independence level in activities of daily living were significant (P < 0.05) in both groups. Statistically significant improvements were found in the Wii-based game group compared with the control group in all balance tests and total Wee FIM score (P < 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Wii-fit balance-based video games are better at improving both static and performance-related balance parameters when combined with NDT treatment in children with mild CP.
authors: Division of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Science, Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey. devrimta@hotmail.com.
authors: Devrim
authors: D
authors: Tarakci
authors: Division of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Science, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey.
authors: Burcu
authors: B
authors: Ersoz Huseyinsinoglu
authors: Division of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Science, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey.
authors: Ela
authors: E
authors: Tarakci
authors: Division of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Science, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey.
authors: Arzu
authors: A
authors: Razak Ozdincler
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000293:Adolescent; D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D018910:Video Games; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*
keywords: cerebral palsy; mobility; postural control; video game; virtual reality therapy