Exergames rehabilitation program for postoperative cancer patients undergoing abdominal surgery: A quasi-experimental...

This study aimed to describe and test a program implemented by a nurse for cancer patients in the postoperative period of abdominal surgery using Wii Fit games. It explored the relationship between the type of game, its duration, and the score obtained with variables such as quality of life, fatigue, balance, anxiety, and depression.

A quasi-experimental project was conducted using a one-group pretest-posttest design to assess the effects of a rehabilitation program utilizing Nintendo Wii Fit. The games included were Wii Fit Aerobics - Basic Step, Wii Fit - Balance Games Penguin Slide, Wii Fit Training Plus - Birds Eye Bulls Eye, and Wii Fit - Hula Hoop. Data were collected 48h post-surgery and on the 7th day post-surgery.

Thirty-five patients participated in the study. The evaluation revealed that the scores and durations of the games had significantly related to the outcomes on the scales, with the "Wii Fit Aerobics - Basic Step" and "Wii Fit - Hula Hoop" games having the most significant impact across multiple aspects.

The study demonstrated that the rehabilitation program had a positive effect on the study population, administered by a rehabilitation nurse. The use of exergames may offer a viable solution to the challenges of traditional rehabilitation methods, particularly for cancer patients in the postoperative period.