The feasibility of evaluating the effect of using Wii Fit balance games to train postural control in children with cerebral palsy

Abstract

The aim of this research is to investigate the usability and potential effect of Wii Fit games as postural control intervention and Wii Balance Board [WBB] as postural control assessment tool in clinical rehabilitation for children with cerebral palsy [CP]. Two studies were conducted to evaluate the intra- and inter-session reliability of the WBB in measuring Centre of Pressure [COP] path length of children with and without CP. 12 children {mean age 8.75 ± 1.7}, and 12 aged matched children with CP attended two sessions during one week. Participants were asked to stand on the WBB on both legs with eyes open [EO2L] and closed [EC2L], and to stand on one leg with eyes open [EO1L] and closed [EC1L]. The results showed excellent reliability of the WBB COP length during EO2L [ICC= 0.96] and EC2L [ICC= 0.95] and moderate reliability during EO1L [ICC=0.65] and EC1L [ICC= 0.794]. However, children with CP were only able to perform double-leg stance tasks; the WBB COP length achieved excellent reliability during EO2L [ICC=0.92] and moderate to poor reliability during EC2L [ICC=0.58]. The third study was conducted to test the methodological feasibility for conducting future randomised controlled trail [RCT] that will investigate the effect of the Wii Fit balance games training on standing postural control and functional balance in children with CP. 11 children with CP were asked to attend eight sessions for four weeks to play with Wii Fit balance games. Participants were assessed pre- and post- Wii Fit with Paediatric Balance Scale [PBS], Timed Up and Go [TUG] and WBB COP length. The results found no significant differences between pre and post Wii Fit for COP length [EO2L; p=0.21, EC2L; p=0.53], PBS [p=0.11] and TUG [p=0.35]. The Wii Fit balance games are feasible and enjoyable games for children with CP. However, a RCT with larger sample is required to provide evidence about its effectiveness with children with CP. The feasibility outcomes of this study are to inform future RCT.

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