Active Video-Gaming Effects on Balance and Mobility in Individuals with Chronic Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Issue 3 (May 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fritz, Stacy L.; Peters, Denise M.; Merlo, Angela M.; Donley, Jonathan
• Is Part Of: Topics in stroke rehabilitation. Volume 20:Issue 3(2013)
• Page Start: 218
• Page End: 225
• Publication Date: 2013-05
• Subjects: balance -- gaming -- stroke; Cerebrovascular disease -- Patients -- Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; Cerebrovascular disease -- Periodicals; 616.810305
• DOI: 10.1310/tsr2003-218
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1074-9357

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Treatments that provide feedback, increase practice with multiple repetitions, and motivate patients are essential to rehabilitation post stroke.Objective: To determine whether playing active video games results in improved balance and mobility post stroke.Methods: Thirty participants with chronic (time since stroke = 3.0 [2.9] years) hemiparesis post stroke were randomly assigned to a gaming group or normal activity control group. Gaming systems provided participants with an interactive interface of real-time movement of either themselves or an avatar on the screen. Participants played games 50–60 minutes/day, 4 days/week, for 5 weeks. The intervention was strictly game-play, in standing position, without physical therapy. The control group received no special intervention and continued with normal activity. Both groups were tested prior to, following the 5 weeks (post test), and 3 months following the completion of the study. Outcome measures included the Fugl-Meyer Assessment, Berg Balance Scale, Dynamic Gait Index, Timed Up & Go, 6-minute walk test, 3-meter walk (self-selected and fast), and perception of recovery.Results: No statistically significant differences between or within groups were found through analysis of covariance (covaried for side of hemiparesis) at post test or follow-up. Although the within-group effect sizes were primarily indexed as "small" (< .36), the gaming group exhibited higher within-group effect sizes before and after testing than did the control group on all 7 dependent variables analyzed.Conclusions: Even though the only intervention was game-play, there were small positive effects. Therapist assistance in making more optimum movement choices may be needed before significant improvements are seen with commercially available, general purpose games.