Wii-Fit For Improving Activity, Gait And Balance In Alzheimer's Dementia
| Status: | Completed |
|---|---|
| Conditions: | Alzheimer Disease, Neurology, Orthopedic |
| Therapuetic Areas: | Neurology, Orthopedics / Podiatry |
| Healthy: | No |
| Age Range: | 60 - Any |
| Updated: | 4/2/2016 |
| Start Date: | November 2009 |
| End Date: | October 2011 |
| Contact: | Kalpana P Padala, MD, MS |
| Email: | kpadala@unmc.edu |
| Phone: | 402-559-8069 |
Alzheimer's Dementia (AD) contributes to poor balance, impaired gait and functional status,
thereby, increasing the risk of falls. AD is an independent risk factor for hip fractures.
Those with balance problems and gait impairments are at higher risk for long term placement
and death related to falls. Gait impairments in those with dementia include shortened step
length, increased double support time, step to step variability, and decreased gait speed.
These gait impairments worsen with dual tasking probably due to common brain areas involved
in gait and other cognitive tasks.
Exercise interventions improve gait and balance in the elderly. In subjects with existing
AD, physical activity has shown to prevent further cognitive decline and improve quality of
life and prevent falls. However, it is difficult to engage patients with AD in long term
exercise programs. The expense of physical therapy limits its easy accessibility. Use of
everyday technology might bridge this gap by providing high level of engagement via the use
of multimedia while providing a cost effective alternative. Wii Fit is one such multimedia
platform.
Wii fit is a Nintendo gaming console used for aerobics, strength training and balance
activities. This device includes a balance board that senses weight and shifts in movement
and balance. Virtual trainers talk the user through the activity while tracking the user's
progress.
Although some skilled nursing facilities have started using Wii game system adjunct to
routine physical therapy, there have not been any studies. Anecdotal reports note
improvement in balance and social benefits using the Wii Fit program. Physical therapists
report the ability to customize Wii for each patient. Wii Fit can be successfully used in a
cognitively impaired population. A unique feature of this approach is the enjoyment and
enthusiasm that many patients derive which is reflected in high levels of engagement.
The invesitgators propose an 8 week prospective randomized study with the treatment group
receiving the exercise program delivered by Wii-Fit system and the comparison arm receiving
a walking exercise program in a community dwelling setting. Subjects in each arm will
participate for 30 minutes daily five days a week.
thereby, increasing the risk of falls. AD is an independent risk factor for hip fractures.
Those with balance problems and gait impairments are at higher risk for long term placement
and death related to falls. Gait impairments in those with dementia include shortened step
length, increased double support time, step to step variability, and decreased gait speed.
These gait impairments worsen with dual tasking probably due to common brain areas involved
in gait and other cognitive tasks.
Exercise interventions improve gait and balance in the elderly. In subjects with existing
AD, physical activity has shown to prevent further cognitive decline and improve quality of
life and prevent falls. However, it is difficult to engage patients with AD in long term
exercise programs. The expense of physical therapy limits its easy accessibility. Use of
everyday technology might bridge this gap by providing high level of engagement via the use
of multimedia while providing a cost effective alternative. Wii Fit is one such multimedia
platform.
Wii fit is a Nintendo gaming console used for aerobics, strength training and balance
activities. This device includes a balance board that senses weight and shifts in movement
and balance. Virtual trainers talk the user through the activity while tracking the user's
progress.
Although some skilled nursing facilities have started using Wii game system adjunct to
routine physical therapy, there have not been any studies. Anecdotal reports note
improvement in balance and social benefits using the Wii Fit program. Physical therapists
report the ability to customize Wii for each patient. Wii Fit can be successfully used in a
cognitively impaired population. A unique feature of this approach is the enjoyment and
enthusiasm that many patients derive which is reflected in high levels of engagement.
The invesitgators propose an 8 week prospective randomized study with the treatment group
receiving the exercise program delivered by Wii-Fit system and the comparison arm receiving
a walking exercise program in a community dwelling setting. Subjects in each arm will
participate for 30 minutes daily five days a week.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Subjects age ≥ 60
- Diagnosis of mild Dementia of Alzheimer's type (MMSE ≥ 18)
- Community dwelling elders, living at home
- History of fall at least once during the year before the study (without serious
injury) or a fear of a future fall
- Presence of caregiver(s)
- Presence of television at home
Exclusion Criteria:
- History of myocardial infarction or TIA or stroke in last 6 months
- Presence of serious psychiatric problems that have impact on memory
- Active cancer or new cancer diagnosis in the last year other than skin cancer
- Medical conditions likely to compromise survival, or ability to participate in the
exercise program such as severe congestive heart failure, significant musculoskeletal
impairments, recent fracture, joint replacements, or severe chronic pain
- Severe visual or auditory impairment or peripheral neuropathy
- Subjects using wheel chair or assistive device for mobility
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