Abstract
Background Exergaming is a promising new alternative to traditional modes of therapeutic exercise which may be preferable and more effective for people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Impaired balance is reported as one of the most disabling aspects of MS. The purposes of this study were to examine the effects of exergaming on: (1) postural sway, (2) gait, (3) technology acceptance and (4) flow experience in people with MS. Secondary outcomes were disability: 12‐item Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale (MSWS-12) and the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0) questionnaire. Methods Fifty-six adults (mean age = 52 years, SD = 5.8; 38 women) with a clinical diagnosis of MS and able to walk 100 meters with or without use of a walking aid were included in this study and randomized into 3 groups. Group 1 received balance training using the Nintendo Wii Fit™ (exergaming) and Group 2 undertook traditional balance training (non-exergaming). Group 3 acted as a control group, receiving no intervention. Exergaming and traditional balance training groups received four weeks of twice weekly balance-orientated exercise. Postural sway was measured using a Kistler™ force platform. Spatiotemporal parameters of gait were measured using a GAITRite™ computerised walkway. Technology acceptance and flow experience were measured using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology and the Flow State Scale questionnaires, respectively. Results There were significant improvements in bipedal postural sway in both intervention groups when compared to the control group; and no effects of either intervention on gait. There were no significant differences between the interventions in technology acceptance but on several dimensions of flow experience the Wii Fit™ was superior to traditional balance training. Both interventions showed improvements in disability compared to control. Conclusions In terms of the physical effects of exergaming, the Wii Fit™ is comparable to traditional balance training. These findings would support the use of the Wii Fit™ as an effective means of balance and gait training for people with MS, which is both accepted and intrinsically motivating to MS users. Trial registration Controlled Trials ISRCTN13924231.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 8 |
Number of pages | 12 |
Journal | BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation |
Volume | 7 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 17 Apr 2015 |
Bibliographical note
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Dive into the research topics of 'The effects of exergaming on balance, gait, technology acceptance and flow experience in people with multiple sclerosis: a randomized controlled trial'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Profiles
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Alasdair MacSween
- SHLS Allied Health Professions - Principal Lecturer - Research & Innovation
- Centre for Rehabilitation
Person: Academic
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Denis Martin
- Centre for Rehabilitation
- SHLS Allied Health Professions - Professor (Research)
Person: Professorial
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Jonathan Robinson
- Centre for Rehabilitation
- SHLS Allied Health Professions - Senior Lecturer in Research Methods
Person: Academic