Article

Stroke upper limb impairment is associated with disability in activities
of daily living. Gaming (Nintendo Wii) is being introduced to rehabilitation
despite limited evidence regarding effectiveness. Little data exists on how
gaming is implemented resulting in a lack of clinical information. We aimed to
gather therapists' opinions on gaming. METHODS:
A survey was posted to
therapists, identified from stroke services across Scotland.
A second survey was
posted to non-responders. Survey data were analysed using descriptive statistics
and thematic coding. RESULTS: Surveys were sent to 127 therapists (70 stroke
services) and returned by 88% (112/127). Gaming was used by 18% of therapists,
61% (68/112) stated they would use this intervention should equipment be
available. The most commonly used device was Nintendo Wii (83% of therapists
using gaming) for 30 min or less once or twice per week. Half of therapists (51%)
reported observing at least one adverse event, such as fatigue, stiffness or
pain. Gaming was reported to be enjoyable but therapists described barriers,
which relate to time, space and cost. CONCLUSIONS: Gaming is used by almost a
fifth of therapists. Adverse events were reported by 51% of therapists; this
should be considered when recommending use and dosage. Implications for
Rehabilitation Commercial gaming devices are reported to be used by 1/5th of
therapists for stroke upper limb rehabilitation, 3/5ths would use gaming if
available. Adverse events were reported by 51% of therapists; this should be
considered when recommending use and dosage. Current use of gaming in practice
may not be achieving intense and repetitive upper limb task-specific practice.

Langue : ANGLAIS