The effects of the Nintendo™Wii Fit on gait, balance, and quality of life in individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury

This study investigated the effects of using the Nintendo™ Wii Fit, a virtual reality training system, on gait, balance, and quality of life in people with incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI). The aim was to explore whether this off-the-shelf VR system could offer benefits for rehabilitation. The study involved participants playing games on the Wii Fit that focused on weight shifting, stability, balance, and coordination. These games were designed to mimic components of gait and challenge postural control. The researchers found that after seven weeks of training with the Wii Fit, participants showed improvements in gait speed and functional reach. These improvements were maintained even four weeks after the training ended, suggesting a lasting effect.

• 1
  Participants demonstrated statistically significant improvements in gait speed after the intervention, and these improvements were maintained at a four-week follow-up.
• 2
  Forward and lateral functional reach also improved significantly post-intervention, indicating enhanced balance and postural stability.
• 3
  Subjective survey responses indicated improvements in mobility, walking, and activities of daily living, suggesting an enhanced quality of life, although this was not captured by the SF-36 measure.