Citation

Lai CH, Peng CW, Chen YL, Huang CP, Hsiao YL, Chen SC. Gait Posture 2013; 37(4): 511-515.

Affiliation

Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taiwan; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taiwan.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.gaitpost.2012.09.003

PMID

23177921

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of interactive video-game based (IVGB) training on the balance of older adults. The participants of the study included 30 community-living persons over the age of 65. The participants were divided into 2 groups. Group A underwent IVGB training for 6 weeks and received no intervention in the following 6 weeks. Group B received no intervention during the first 6 weeks and then participated in training in the following 6 weeks. After IVGB intervention, both groups showed improved balance based on the results from the following tests: the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Modified Falls Efficacy Scale (MFES), Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and the Sway Velocity (SV) test (assessing bipedal stance center pressure with eyes open and closed). Results from the Sway Area (SA) test (assessing bipedal stance center pressure with eyes open and closed) revealed a significant improvement in Group B after IVGB training. Group A retained some training effects after 6 weeks without IVGB intervention. Additionally, a moderate association emerged between the Xavix measured step system stepping tests and BBS, MFES, Unipedal Stance test, and TUG test measurements. In conclusion, IVGB training improves balance after 6 weeks of implementation, and the beneficial effects partially remain after training is complete. Further investigation is required to determine if this training is superior to traditional physical therapy.

Language: en