Design: Randomized controlled trial
Effect of Wii-intervention on balance of children with poor motor performance
Mombarg, R., Jelsma, D. & Hartman, E.
Research in Developmental Disabilities, 34 (2013) 2996-3003
Objective: What is the effect of Wii training on balance in children with motor delay? Does a training effect transfer to other activities?
Method: 30 children aged 7 – 12 with balance problems (as determined by falling below the 16th percentile on the total and balance scores on the Movement Assessment Battery for children - 2) were recruited and randomized into Wii and control groups. All performed pre- and post-tests of the MABC2 and Bruininks-Oseretsky test of motor proficiency -2 (balance, running speed and agility items). The Wii group exercised with the Wii for 30 minutes three times weekly for 6 weeks. The control group had no intervention.
Results: Pre- and post-test scores of Wii group and control group were compared. A “small to medium” intervention effect was found for balance across the Wii and control groups. No intervention effect was apparent in the transfer of skills from Wii balance games to running speed and agility tasks.