Article

The Nintendo Wii is becoming an increasingly popular technology for the training
and assessment of balance in older adults. Recent studies have shown promising
results for its use in fall prevention. However, it is not clear how scores on
the WiiFit balance games relate to current standardized tests of balance and mobility.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between
WiiFit Plus balance tests, and standardized tests of older adult fitness,
balance, mobility, self-reported balance confidence, and visual attention and
processing. Results from 34 older adult participants indicate that WiiFit balance
tests do not correlate well with standardized functional balance, mobility and
fitness tests. However, the Wii balance score, as measured by the Basic Balance
Test of the WiiFit, does correlate with visual processing speed as measured by
the Useful Field of View (UFOV((R))) test. These results indicate that WiiFit
balance tests may provide advantageous information supplementary to information
obtained through standard functional mobility and balance tests; however, caution
should be used when using the WiiFit balance tests in isolation. Further research
is necessary as these technologies become widely used in clinical and home
settings for balance training and assessment.
CI - Copyright (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS