Games For Balance After Stroke (GABS)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Games for Balance after Stroke, a Pilot Study Does the use of Nintendo Wii Fit, as part of an individual therapy programme, improve balance problems after stroke?
IRAS ID
146693
Contact name
Catriona (Kim) Warke
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust
Research summary
Does the use of games on Nintendo Wii fit, as part of an individual therapy programme, improve balance problems after stroke? A pilot study.
Balance impairment is a common cause of disability after stroke, with an increased risk of falls. All patients with significant impairment in maintaining their balance after stroke should receive progressive balance training.
Repetition and intensity of practice aid recovery after stroke, so exercises that are engaging and motivating help patients maintain their frequency and duration. Interactive gaming can promote intensive task-based therapy in a manner that is motivating for the user. There are currently very few studies evaluating the use of commercial gaming consoles for improving balance and gait.
Computer games technology may be integrated into conventional rehabilitation, both in hospital and at home, as a way to motivate patients to maintain intensity of practice. In this study, selected games on the Nintendo Wii will be incorporated into individual rehabilitation physiotherapy programmes, as assessed and implemented by the physiotherapists in the Community Stroke Team. They will be used in the physiotherapy gym at Bangor Community Hospital and in the patients’ homes. The intervention will last for 6 weeks. Assessments will be carried out by an assessor who has not been involved in the interventions at the end of the intervention, at week 12 and at 6 months.
Patients who are aged over 18 years, who have had a stroke impacting on balance (demonstrated by reduced score on standardised balance test), who are able to balance in standing independently or with the assistance of one person, are physically able to use Wii controllers (or third person available to assist) and give informed consent are eligible. Patients with pre-stroke cognitive problems, major visual deficits, photosensitive epilepsy, or who weigh more than 23st (weight limit on Wii fit board) will be excluded.
REC name
HSC REC B
REC reference
14/NI/1088
Date of REC Opinion
23 Oct 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion