A Wii Bit of Fun: A Novel Platform to Deliver Effective Balance Training to Older Adults

Caroline Whyatt; Niamh A. Merriman; William R Young; Fiona N Newell; Cathy Craig

doi:10.1089/g4h.2015.0006

A Wii Bit of Fun: A Novel Platform to Deliver Effective Balance Training to Older Adults

Caroline Whyatt, Niamh A. Merriman, William R Young, Fiona N Newell, Cathy Craig

School of Psychology

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

48 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Falls and fall-related injuries are symptomatic of an aging population. This study aimed to design, develop, and deliver a novel method of balance training, using an interactive game-based system to promote engagement, with the inclusion of older adults at both high and low risk of experiencing a fall.STUDY DESIGN: Eighty-two older adults (65 years of age and older) were recruited from sheltered accommodation and local activity groups. Forty volunteers were randomly selected and received 5 weeks of balance game training (5 males, 35 females; mean, 77.18 ± 6.59 years), whereas the remaining control participants recorded levels of physical activity (20 males, 22 females; mean, 76.62 ± 7.28 years). The effect of balance game training was measured on levels of functional balance and balance confidence in individuals with and without quantifiable balance impairments.RESULTS: Balance game training had a significant effect on levels of functional balance and balance confidence (P

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	423-33
Number of pages	389
Journal	Games for Health
Volume	4
Issue number	6
Early online date	15 Oct 2015
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1089/g4h.2015.0006
Publication status	Published (in print/issue) - 28 Oct 2015

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title = "A Wii Bit of Fun: A Novel Platform to Deliver Effective Balance Training to Older Adults",

abstract = "BACKGROUND: Falls and fall-related injuries are symptomatic of an aging population. This study aimed to design, develop, and deliver a novel method of balance training, using an interactive game-based system to promote engagement, with the inclusion of older adults at both high and low risk of experiencing a fall.STUDY DESIGN: Eighty-two older adults (65 years of age and older) were recruited from sheltered accommodation and local activity groups. Forty volunteers were randomly selected and received 5 weeks of balance game training (5 males, 35 females; mean, 77.18 ± 6.59 years), whereas the remaining control participants recorded levels of physical activity (20 males, 22 females; mean, 76.62 ± 7.28 years). The effect of balance game training was measured on levels of functional balance and balance confidence in individuals with and without quantifiable balance impairments.RESULTS: Balance game training had a significant effect on levels of functional balance and balance confidence (P ",

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AU - Craig, Cathy

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A Wii Bit of Fun: A Novel Platform to Deliver Effective Balance Training to Older Adults

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