Effects of Virtual Reality Training Using Xbox Kinect on Balance, Postural Control, and Functional Independence in Subjects with Stroke.

Purpose: To determine the effects of virtual reality training using Xbox Kinect on balance, postural control, and functional independence in subjects with stroke. Methods: The parallel double-blind randomized control trial was conducted on 41 individuals based on selection criteria. Participants were divided into two groups by concealed envelope method. Intervention group received exergaming by Xbox Kinect, and control group was given exercises comprising balance training, upper limb strengthening, and core strengthening. Berg balance scale (BBS), functional independence measure (FIM), trunk impairment scale (TIS), and timed up and go (TUG) were the outcome measures. Data were analyzed using SPSS v21. Results: Mean age of the participants of Xbox and exercise group were 58.6 ± 3.3 and 58.1 ± 4.3 years, respectively. Within group improvement was observed in both groups from baseline to 8 weeks postintervention; BBS: 34 ± 4.7 to 40.9 ± 4.9 in intervention group and 34.1 ± 4.4 to 38.1 ± 7.6 in control group, TUG: 25.6 ± 3.9 to 21.4 ± 3.8 and 28.6 ± 5.0 to 25.9 ± 4.7, TIS: 15.2 ± 1.8 to 19.2 ± 1.3 and 13.2 ± 1.7 to 15.3 ± 1.6 and FIM: 58.7 ± 7.7 to 52.5 ± 7.8 and 66.2 ± 7.6 to 62.6 ± 7.2 in intervention and control group, respectively. Between group improvement was observed in TUG, TIS, and FIM in experimental group with P-values 0.003, <0.001, and <0.001, respectively. Conclusions: Wii Fit improved functional mobility, independence, and trunk coordination extension in the stroke patients, whereas balance could be equally improved from Wii Fit and exercises. Trial Registration Number: ACTRN12619001688178.

Eye Muscle Exercises; Solution to Rising Screen Exposure.

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Role Wii Fit exer-games in improving balance confidence and quality of life in elderly population.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of Wii Fit exer-gaming on balance confidence, quality of life and fall risk in elderly population. METHODS: The double-blind randomised control trial was conducted at Kulsum International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan, from July 31 to October 30, 2018, and comprised vitally stable, physically independent subjects of either gender aged 60 years and above, having no serious systemic disease. The subjects were randomly allocated into experimental group A and control group B using the concealed envelope method. After baseline assessment, group A received Wii fit gaming, while group B received balance training for 30 minutes twice a week for 8 weeks. Activities balance confidence (ABC), European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions (EQ 5D-5L), timed up and go (TUG) and Fukuda were used to assess the impact of the intervention. Data was analysed using SPSS 21. RESULTS: Of the 90 subjects, 83(92.2%) completed the study. There were 51(62%) males and 32 (38%) females; and 45(50%) in each of the two groups. Group A had 42(50.6%) subjects with 26(62%) males and 16(38%) females, and 41 were in group B, with 25(61%) males and 16(39%) females. Balance confidence improved in both groups, but it was significantly higher in group A (p<0.001). Mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, anxiety/depression as well as timed up and go and Fukuda showed significantly more improvement in group A compared to group B (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Wii fit was found to have the potential to improve balance confidence and quality of life, reducing the fall risk among the elderly. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: IRCT20180417039344N1 by Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials.

Effects of Wii Fit exer-gaming on balance and gait in elderly population: A randomized control trial.

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 using 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). CONCLUSIONS: Exer-gaming was found to be effective in improving various components of gait in the elderly compared to exercises.