Home-based balance training using the Wii balance board: a randomized, crossover pilot study in multiple sclerosis

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) often leads to balance disorders, impacting patient mobility and quality of life.
• Traditional rehabilitation methods may have limitations in accessibility and patient engagement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the efficacy of a home-based balance rehabilitation program utilizing the Nintendo Wii Balance Board System (WBBS) for individuals with MS.
• To determine if WBBS training can improve objective measures of balance and functional mobility in MS patients.

Main Methods:

• A 24-week randomized, crossover pilot study involving 36 MS patients with balance deficits.
• Participants were assigned to either an initial 12-week WBBS training period followed by a washout, or vice versa.
• Balance was assessed using force platform measures, the 4-step square test (FSST), 25-foot timed walking test (25-FWT), and the MS Impact Scale (MSIS-29).

Main Results:

• WBBS training demonstrated significant improvements in force platform measures, FSST, 25-FWT, and MSIS-29 scores compared to baseline.
• No significant differences in baseline characteristics were observed between the two groups.
• Five adverse events (knee/low back pain) were reported, with one patient withdrawing.

Conclusions:

• Home-based WBBS training presents a potentially effective and engaging option for balance rehabilitation in multiple sclerosis.
• The benefits of WBBS training must be weighed against the risk of training-related injuries.
• Further research, including cost-effectiveness studies, is needed to confirm the utility of WBBS for home-based rehabilitation in MS.