The effect of NintendoŽ WiiŽ on balance in people with multiple sclerosis: a pilot randomized control study

Giampaolo Brichetto1
Patricio Spallarossa2
Maria L Lopes de Carvalho2
Mario A Battaglia3

1Scientific Research Area, Italian Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (FISM), Genoa, Italy

2AISM Rehabilitation Service, Italian Multiple Sclerosis Society, Genoa, Italy

3Department of Physiopathology, Experimental Medicine and Public Health; University of Siena, Italy

Giampaolo Brichetto, Scientific Research Area, Italian Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (FISM), Via Operai 40, Genoa 16149, Italy.

Abstract

Improvement of sensory strategies is a relevant part of balance rehabilitation in multiple sclerosis (MS). This study aimed to Assess the effectiveness of visual-feedback exercises in improving balance in MS. We divided 36 patients into Wii and control-treated groups that underwent balance rehabilitation. Outcomes were obtained for Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Modified Fatigue Impact Scale, and sway area under conditions of opened and closed eyes. BBS showed a statistically significant improvement (from 49.6 to 54.6 points, p < 0.05) in the Wii group. Interactive visual-feedback exercises such as Wii could be more effective than the current standard protocol in improving balance disorders in MS.