Efficacy of Wii-Fit on Static and Dynamic Balance in Community Dwelling Older Veterans: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial

Background/objectives. balance problems are well-established modifiable risk factors for falls,which are common in older adults. the objective of this study was to establish the efficacy of a wii-fit interactive video-game-led physical exercise program to improve balance in older veterans. methods. a prospective randomized controlled parallel-group trial was conducted at veterans affairs medical center. thirty community dwelling veterans aged 68 (±6.7) years were randomized to either the exercise or control groups. the exercise group performed wii-fit program while the control group performed a computer-based cognitive program for 45 minutes,three days per week for 8-weeks. the primary (berg balance scale (bbs)) and secondary outcomes (fear of falling,physical activity enjoyment,and quality of life) were measured at baseline,4 weeks,and 8 weeks. results. of 30 randomized subjects,27 completed all aspects of the study protocol. there were no study-related adverse events. intent-to-treat analysis showed a significantly greater improvement in bbs in the exercise group (6.0; 95% ci,5.1-6.9) compared to the control group (0.5; 95% ci,-0.3-1.3) at 8 weeks (average intergroup difference (95% ci),5.5 (4.3-6.7),p < 0.001) after adjusting for baseline. conclusion. this study establishes that the wii-fit exercise program is efficacious in improving balance in community dwelling older veterans. this trial is registered with clinicaltrials.gov identifier nct02190045. © 2017 kalpana p. padala et al.