Effects of Nintendo Wii fit game training on balance among Lebanese older adults.

BACKGROUND

Falls are the second leading cause of accidental death, with persons older than 65 years being the most affected. Moreover, gait- and balance-related problems represent the most consistent predictors of future falls.

AIMS

The aim was to determine the effects of Wii fit game training on dynamic and static balance among Lebanese older adults.

METHODS

A randomized-controlled trial was conducted over a period of 8 weeks, where institutionalized older adults with no history of falls were randomized into two groups. The participants of each group were carefully followed up during the intervention and data collection periods. The intervention group was trained for standing balance during a 40-min session, starting with the "Soccer Heading" game during the first 4 weeks, followed by the "Table Tilt" game for the remaining 4 weeks. Timed up-and-go (TUG) test and the Nintendo Wii Balance Board were used to measure the dynamic and static balance, respectively, both at baseline and post-intervention.

RESULTS

Sixty-four participants recruited from both, the Tyre and Saida districts were enrolled in the study. Within-group comparison of TUG test values between baseline and post-intervention; both groups showed an extremely significant difference (P = 0.000). Similarly, the between-group comparison showed a significant difference (P = 0.013). Concerning the center of pressure measures, only the intervention group showed a very significant improvement between baseline and post-intervention measures (P = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

Wii fit balance training is a valid method for improving both dynamic and static balance among Lebanese older adults.