Single-subject research
Wii-habilitation as balance therapy for children with acquired brain injury
Tatla, S. K., Radomski, A., Cheung, J., Maron, M. & Jarus, T. Developmental Neurorehabilitation, 2012, 1 – 15, Early Online
Link to abstract: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23231377
Objective: Comparing Nintendo Wii balance therapy to standard therapeutic balance activities for change in balance, motivation and functional ability in children during brain injury rehabilitation.
Method: Single subject testing occurred over four weeks. Three subjects were randomly assigned to one of several protocols that provided standard therapeutic balance activities (baseline) either following or preceding Wii balance activities. Each condition was delivered as a 30-minute therapy, five times a week. Balance was measured with the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, the Modified Functional Reach Test (MFRT) and the Wii-Fit balance board; motivation by the use of the Pediatric Motivation Scale, and functional abilities with the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Index (PEDI).
Findings: Dynamic balance improved for all participants regardless of whether baseline followed or preceded Wii balance therapy and static balance results were inconclusive. Balance activities were equally motivating for 2 of 3 subjects and Wii balance activities were more motivating for one. Functional ability improved for all participants regardless of whether baseline followed or preceded Wii balance therapy.