Dance-based exergaming on postural stability and kinematics in people with chronic stroke - A preliminary study

The study evaluated the feasibility, and compliance of a dance-based exergaming (DBExG) on postural stability (PS) and lower extremity (LE) kinematics, along with post-intervention changes in gait function and falls self-efficacy in people with chronic stroke (PwCS).

Fifteen PwCS underwent DBExG for six weeks using Kinect "Just Dance 3." Pre- to post- changes were recorded during DBExG assessment on a fast-paced song (130 bpm) using an 8-camera motion capture system to assess PS (center of mass [CoM] excursions [EXs] in the anterior-posterior [AP] and mediolateral [ML] directions) and LE kinematics (hip, knee, and ankle joint angle EXs). Gait function was also assessed with gait parameters, such as gait speed, cadence, and gait symmetry on an electronic walkway. Falls self-efficacy was recorded with Falls Efficacy Scale (FES).

The AP and ML CoM EXs and paretic joint angle EXs significantly increased pre- to post- DBExG assessment (p < .05). Gait parameters, and falls self-efficacy measures significantly changed pre- to post- DBExG (p < .05).

Results exhibited the feasibility of the proposed DBExG for positively impacting postural stability, and kinematics, along with increasing gait function and falls self-efficacy among PwCS.