@article{ref1,
title="Using the nintendo wii fit and body weight support to improve aerobic capacity, balance, gait ability, and fear of falling: two case reports",
journal="Journal of geriatric physical therapy",
year="2012",
author="Miller, Carol A. and Hayes, Dawn M. and Dye, Kelli and Johnson, Courtney and Meyers, Jennifer",
volume="35",
number="2",
pages="95-104",
abstract="BACKGROUND & PURPOSE: : Lower limb amputation in older adults has a significant impact on balance, gait, and cardiovascular fitness, resulting in diminished community participation. The purpose of this case study was to describe the effects of a balance training program utilizing the Nintendo Wii™ Fit (Nintendo of America, Inc, Redmond, Washington) balance board and body- weight supported gait training on aerobic capacity, balance, gait, and fear of falling in two persons with transfemoral amputation. CASE DESCRIPTIONS: : Participant A, a 62 year-old male 32 months post traumatic transfemoral amputation, reported fear of falling and restrictions in community activity. Participant B, a 58 year-old male 9 years post transfemoral amputation, reported limited energy and balance deficits during advanced gait activities. INTERVENTION: : 6-weeks, 2 supervised sessions per week included 20 minutes of Nintendo™ Wii Fit Balance gaming and 20 minutes of gait training using Body Weight Support. OUTCOMES: : Measures included oxygen uptake efficiency slope (OUES), economy of movement, dynamic balance (Biodex platform system), Activities-Specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale, and spatial-temporal parameters of gait (GAITRite). Both participants demonstrated improvement in dynamic balance, balance confidence, economy of movement, and spatial-temporal parameters of gait. Participant A reduced the need for an assistive device during community ambulation. Participant B improved his aerobic capacity, indicated by an increase in OUES. DISCUSSION: : This case study illustrated that the use of Nintendo Wii™ Fit training and Body Weight Support were effective interventions to achieve functional goals for improving balance confidence, reducing use of assistive devices, and increasing energy efficiency when ambulating with a transfemoral prosthesis.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1539-8412",
doi="10.1519/JPT.0b013e318224aa38",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1519/JPT.0b013e318224aa38"
}