Efficacy of Wii-Fit on Static and Dynamic Balance in Community Dwelling Older Veterans: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial

Abstract EN

Background/Objectives.

Balance problems are well-established modifiable risk factors for falls, which are common in older adults.

The objective of this study was to establish the efficacy of a Wii-Fit interactive video-game-led physical exercise program to improve balance in older Veterans.

Methods.

A prospective randomized controlled parallel-group trial was conducted at Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

Thirty community dwelling Veterans aged 68 (±6.7) years were randomized to either the exercise or control groups.

The exercise group performed Wii-Fit program while the control group performed a computer-based cognitive program for 45 minutes, three days per week for 8-weeks.

The primary (Berg Balance Scale (BBS)) and secondary outcomes (fear of falling, physical activity enjoyment, and quality of life) were measured at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks.

Results.

Of 30 randomized subjects, 27 completed all aspects of the study protocol.

There were no study-related adverse events.

Intent-to-treat analysis showed a significantly greater improvement in BBS in the exercise group (6.0; 95% CI, 5.1–6.9) compared to the control group (0.5; 95% CI, −0.3–1.3) at 8 weeks (average intergroup difference (95% CI), 5.5 (4.3–6.7), p < 0.001) after adjusting for baseline.

Conclusion.

This study establishes that the Wii-Fit exercise program is efficacious in improving balance in community dwelling older Veterans.

This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT02190045.