Structured Wii protocol for rehabilitation of shoulder impingement syndrome: A pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the feasibility and efficacy of using a structured Nintendo Wii protocol to improve range of motion, strength, and quality of life in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome.


METHODS
A total of 14 patients with shoulder pain were randomized to perform a structured Wii protocol (n=8) or conventional therapy (n=6). Pain-free shoulder range of motion, strength, shoulder pain and disability, and quality of life were assessed pre- and post-treatment.


RESULTS
All 8 patients completed the Wii protocol, and 3 completed conventional therapy. The Wii protocol conferred significant improvements in shoulder range of motion, pain and disability, and quality of life but not strength, whereas conventional therapy conferred a significant improvement in strength.


CONCLUSIONS
As compared to conventional treatment, the structured Wii protocol implemented in this pilot study was a viable adjunct to therapy for shoulder impingement syndrome. Gaming may have a supplemental benefit by increasing motivation, pleasure, and/or adherence. Further investigation in larger cohorts is warranted.
Rusk Rehabilitation, New York University School of Medicine, New York University, New York, USA; Department of Neurology, New York University School of Medicine, New York University, New York, USA; Department of Psychology and Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, USA.
John-Ross
JR
Rizzo
Rusk Rehabilitation, New York University School of Medicine, New York University, New York, USA; College of Medicine, SUNY Upstate Medical University, New York, USA.
Peter
P
Thai
Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, USA.
Edward J
EJ
Li
Rusk Rehabilitation, New York University School of Medicine, New York University, New York, USA.
Terence
T
Tung
Rusk Rehabilitation, New York University School of Medicine, New York University, New York, USA; Department of Neurology, New York University School of Medicine, New York University, New York, USA.
Todd E
TE
Hudson
Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, USA.
Joseph
J
Herrera
Rusk Rehabilitation, New York University School of Medicine, New York University, New York, USA; Department of Physical Therapy, Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, New York University, New York, USA. Electronic address: preeti.raghavan@nyumc.org.
Preeti
P
Raghavan
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D053580:Muscle Strength; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011788:Quality of Life; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012782:Shoulder / Q000503:physiopathology; D019534:Shoulder Impingement Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D018910:Video Games
Gaming; Motivation; Rehabilitation; Shoulder impingement syndrome; Shoulder pain