An exploration of the concept of using the Nintendo Wii for balance training in patients with paraplegia

Abstract

The objective of this study was to explore whether a patient with a high level and one with a low level of paraplegia could interact successfully with the boxing programme on the Nintendo Wii and whether there would be improvements in their seated functional reach distance when this activity replaced their regular balance training activities. Two participants with spinal cord injuries classified as ASIA A and neurological levels T4 and T12 were trained twice per week for six weeks with the boxing programme on the Wii sport disc. This complemented their regular strength training activities, which were done in fully supported positions (prone, supine or supported sitting). Both participants were able to engage fully in the game with no falls. They both indicated that they enjoyed the interaction. The participant with the T4 injury was unable to reach forward at the start of the training but at the end, he obtained a reach distance of 6.78 cm. The participant with the T12 injury had an initial reach of 8.38 cm and a final reach of 16.94 cm. The boxing game on the Nintendo Wii appears to be a feasible balance training tool for use in the management of patients with both high and low levels of spinal cord injury. The movements that occurred during training were very similar to those that are emphasised with traditional balance exercises. Further investigation with proper controls is required to determine the effectiveness of this type of intervention.