Article

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the feasibility of using video-games in a group
setting and to compare the effectiveness of video-games as a group intervention
to a traditional group intervention for improving physical activity in
individuals with chronic stroke. DESIGN: A single-blind randomized controlled
trial with evaluations pre and post a 3-month intervention,
and at 3-month
follow-up. Compliance (session attendance), satisfaction and adverse effects were
feasibility measures. Grip strength and gait speed were measures of physical
activity. Hip accelerometers quantified steps/day and the Action Research Arm
Test assessed the functional ability of the upper extremity. RESULTS: Forty-seven
community-dwelling individuals with chronic stroke (29-78 years) were randomly
allocated to receive video-game (N=24) or traditional therapy (N=23) in a group
setting. There was high treatment compliance for both interventions
(video-games-78%, traditional therapy-66%), but satisfaction was rated higher for
the video-game (93%) than the traditional therapy (71%) (chi(2)=4.98, P=0.026).
Adverse effects were not reported in either group. Significant improvements were
demonstrated in both groups for gait speed (F=3.9, P=0.02), grip strength of the
weaker (F=6.67, P=0.002) and stronger hands (F=7.5, P=0.001). Daily steps and
functional ability of the weaker hand did not increase in either group.
CONCLUSIONS: Using video-games in a small group setting is feasible, safe and
satisfying. Video-games improve indicators of physical activity of individuals with chronic stroke.
CI - (c) The Author(s) 2015.

Langue : ANGLAIS