Research: Have a Wii and improve your balance


Brichetto G, Spallarossa P, de Carvalho ML, Battaglia MA. The effect of Nintendo(R) Wii(R) on balance in people with multiple sclerosis: a pilot randomized control study. Mult Scler. 2013 Jan [Epub ahead of print]
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

Maybe we can get the NHS to provide us all with a games console, maybe we need to move with the imes and embrace new technology

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