Abstracto

Effects of Nintendo Wii Fit® balance exercise program on physical abilities and quality of life in Multiple Sclerosis patients

Neurology and Neurorehabilitation Research

Introduction: In the last few years, the use of interactive video games is becoming increasingly popular as a different intervention tool for rehabilitation training. Few studies have investigated the use of a Nintendo Wii Fit Balance Board® in people with Multiple Sclerosis (pwMS), showing that home exercising using the device may improve physical activity and general health. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a Nintendo Wii Fit® balance exercise program in improving the physical abilities and the quality of life in pwMS. Materials and Methods: We screened 80 pwMS consecutively referring to MS centre at University of Catania in the period between July 2011 and June 2013. Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Barthel Index (BI), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed 25-Foot Walk test (T25-FWT), Rivermead Mobility Index (RMI), 12-item MS walking scale (MSWS-12), and Short Form (36) Health Survey (SF-36) were administered at baseline (T0) and at the end of treatment (T1). Results and Discussion: We enrolled 46 pwMS: 19 pwMS (41.3%) were assigned to Nintendo Wii Fit Plus® balance (Wii group) and 27 pwMS (58.7%) to a standard rehabilitation programs (SR group). At T1, both groups improved in FIM and BI. BBS, RMI and MSWS-12 were improved in Wii group. SR group improved in some items of SF-36. Conclusion: Nintendo Wii Fit® could be considered a helpful tool to potentiate standard rehabilitation treatment in pwMS and mild-to moderate disability.