Effects of Wii Fit exer-gaming on balance and gait in elderly population; a randomized control trial

Abstract Objective: To assess the effect of exer-gaming on balance and gait in the elderly. Methods: The randomised controlled trial was conducted at Kulsum International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan, from July to October 2018, and comprised physically independent subjects aged 60 years and above who were randomised into experimental and control groups suing concealed envelope method. The cases received exer-gaming for 30 minutes twice a week for 8 weeks, while the controls received balance training exercises twice a week for 8 weeks. Assessment was done at baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention. Outcome measures were assessed with Berg balance scale and the gait abnormality rating scale modified. Data was analysed using SPSS 21. Results: Of the 90 subjects, there were 45(50%) in each of the two groups. The intervention group had better outcome in terms of gait (p<0.05) except for foot contact and shoulder extension (p>0.05), while the difference related to balance was not significant (p>0.05). Conclusion: Exer-gaming was found to be effective in improving various components of gait in the elderly compared to exercises. Key Words: Balance, Elderly population, Exer-gaming, Gait, Gait abnormality rating scale, Nintendo Wii Fit. Continuous...