Effect of a Wii Fit Intervention on Components of Fall Risk in Middle-aged Women
| Status: | Completed |
|---|---|
| Conditions: | Osteoporosis, Orthopedic, Gastrointestinal |
| Therapuetic Areas: | Gastroenterology, Rheumatology, Orthopedics / Podiatry |
| Healthy: | No |
| Age Range: | 45 - 60 |
| Updated: | 4/21/2016 |
| Start Date: | August 2013 |
| End Date: | February 2014 |
Effect of a Wii Fit Intervention on Balance, Muscular Fitness, and Bone Health in Middle-aged Women
Losses of muscular fitness/balance are common occurrences with aging that can lead to an
increased fall-risk. The accelerated bone loss that may accompany menopause makes some women
even more "at-risk" for serious consequences related to falling. Interventions to reduce
fall-risk have been conducted in an attempt to improve balance or muscular fitness, but
often these interventions require monotonous exercises that don't arouse enough long-term
interest to elicit the improvements. In other words, while the intervention may be
beneficial, participants quit before they can realize any gains.
Currently, there is little research that uses novel technology-based programs to promote
balance exercises among middle-aged women. The Wii Fit system includes various strength and
balance exercises integrated into games intended to have the participant have fun and retain
interest, while also improving fitness. By using such a program, women could potentially
improve their balance and decrease their fall risk in a way that is fun and exciting.
The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of a Wii Fit based exercise program
on balance/muscular fitness/markers of bone health in women between the ages of 45-60 with
low bone mass. Volunteers who have moderately low bone levels (n = 28) will be randomly
assigned to either the Wii Fit exercise intervention or a normally active control. Balance
ability, muscular fitness, body composition, physical activity levels and markers of bone
health will be assessed before and after the intervention.
Each participant in the intervention will be provided a pre-programmed Wii Fit console and
balance board to use at home. The intervention will consist of a 12-week program that they
perform 30 minutes a day 3 days a week. The exercises include 10 minutes of Yoga poses and
strength exercises and then 20 minutes of balance games such as soccer heading, ski slalom
and table tilt.
At the 6 week point and the conclusion of the intervention, participants will come to the
lab for testing on the same tests done initially.
The overall goal of this study is to gauge the efficacy of this intervention to improve
balance, fitness, and bone health in at-risk women. This project is important because it
offers an exciting, fun, and motivating way to impact fall-risk before clinical symptoms
develop. Overall, this intervention could significantly reduce healthcare dollars spent on
fall-related outcomes, as well as reduce fall-related mortality.
increased fall-risk. The accelerated bone loss that may accompany menopause makes some women
even more "at-risk" for serious consequences related to falling. Interventions to reduce
fall-risk have been conducted in an attempt to improve balance or muscular fitness, but
often these interventions require monotonous exercises that don't arouse enough long-term
interest to elicit the improvements. In other words, while the intervention may be
beneficial, participants quit before they can realize any gains.
Currently, there is little research that uses novel technology-based programs to promote
balance exercises among middle-aged women. The Wii Fit system includes various strength and
balance exercises integrated into games intended to have the participant have fun and retain
interest, while also improving fitness. By using such a program, women could potentially
improve their balance and decrease their fall risk in a way that is fun and exciting.
The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of a Wii Fit based exercise program
on balance/muscular fitness/markers of bone health in women between the ages of 45-60 with
low bone mass. Volunteers who have moderately low bone levels (n = 28) will be randomly
assigned to either the Wii Fit exercise intervention or a normally active control. Balance
ability, muscular fitness, body composition, physical activity levels and markers of bone
health will be assessed before and after the intervention.
Each participant in the intervention will be provided a pre-programmed Wii Fit console and
balance board to use at home. The intervention will consist of a 12-week program that they
perform 30 minutes a day 3 days a week. The exercises include 10 minutes of Yoga poses and
strength exercises and then 20 minutes of balance games such as soccer heading, ski slalom
and table tilt.
At the 6 week point and the conclusion of the intervention, participants will come to the
lab for testing on the same tests done initially.
The overall goal of this study is to gauge the efficacy of this intervention to improve
balance, fitness, and bone health in at-risk women. This project is important because it
offers an exciting, fun, and motivating way to impact fall-risk before clinical symptoms
develop. Overall, this intervention could significantly reduce healthcare dollars spent on
fall-related outcomes, as well as reduce fall-related mortality.
Inclusion Criteria:
- apparently healthy women between the ages of 45-60
- no contraindications to walking or standing
- no hormonal replacement therapy or any medications or supplements (except for
calcium, vitamin D, multivitamin) that affect the bone
- Any vitamin supplements must be over-the-counter (OTC) and cannot be prescription
grade.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Those who do not pass the PAR-Q+ (contraindicated for exercise)
- DXA t-score greater than 0 (Note: any woman who has a t-score less than -1.5 will be
referred to their health care provider for further follow up and will not be allowed
in the study with the approval of their health care professional.)
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