Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 23, 2026
Repeated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Combined with Action Observation Training in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy
Published on: August 9, 2024
Effects of Wii Fit on Functional Balance and Elbow Flexion in Children with Unilateral Spastic Cerebral Palsy: A
Mahshad Maleki1, Mahsa Mohammadi2, Shirin Modarresi3
1Department of Occupational Therapy, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Insights
Balance training using the Wii Fit balance board improved functional balance and elbow range of motion in children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy. Gains were mostly maintained, but elbow improvements showed variability at follow-up.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Neurology
Background:
- Children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy often exhibit impaired dynamic balance, impacting functional activities and leading to compensatory upper-limb movements.
- While balance interventions enhance functional balance, their effect on upper-limb outcomes remains underexplored.
- This study investigates the impact of Wii Fit balance board training on balance and elbow range of motion (ROM) in children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy of Wii Fit balance board training on functional balance in children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy.
- To evaluate the effects of this intervention on elbow range of motion (ROM) as a measure of upper-limb function.
- To explore the maintenance of balance and elbow ROM gains post-intervention.
Main Methods:
- A pilot study employed a single-subject A-B-A withdrawal design over three phases: baseline (4 weeks), intervention (12 weeks), and follow-up (4 weeks).
- Participants included nine children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy (mean age 7.33 years).
- Outcome measures comprised the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS), Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and elbow ROM, analyzed via visual inspection, Hedges' g, and PND.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements were observed in Pediatric Balance Scale and Timed Up and Go scores during the intervention phase (PND ≈ 75%, Hedges' g > 0.8), with gains largely maintained at follow-up.
- Elbow outcomes showed marked improvement, with 100% PND and Hedges' g > 0.8 for most participants, including increased active ROM and reduced passive flexion.
- While balance improvements were generally sustained, the maintenance of elbow ROM gains varied among participants at follow-up.
Conclusions:
- Balance training utilizing the Wii Fit balance board effectively enhanced functional balance and elbow range of motion in children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy.
- The intervention demonstrated positive effects on upper-limb movement patterns, though long-term elbow outcome optimization may necessitate sustained or additional interventions.
- Findings suggest that balance-focused interventions can positively influence upper-limb function in this population, but individual variability in maintenance highlights the need for tailored approaches.
Abstract:
BackgroundChildren with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy often present with impaired dynamic balance, which can negatively affect functional activities and contribute to compensatory upper-limb movement patterns. Although balance-focused interventions have been shown to improve functional balance, their potential influence on upper-limb outcomes has not been well explored. This pilot study explored the effects of balance training using the Wii Fit balance board on functional balance and elbow range of motion (ROM) in children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy.MethodsA single-subject A-B-A (withdrawal) design was implemented across three phases: baseline (4 weeks), intervention (12 weeks), and follow-up (4 weeks). Outcome measures included the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS), Timed Up and Go (TUG), and elbow ROM. Data were analyzed using visual inspection, Hedges' g, and the percentage of nonoverlapping data (PND).ResultsNine children (mean age = 7.33 ± 2.00 years) participated. Pediatric Balance Scale and Timed Up and Go scores demonstrated notable improvements during the intervention phase (PND ≈ 75%; Hedges' g > 0.8 for most participants), with gains largely maintained at follow-up. Elbow outcomes also improved, with consistent increases in active elbow range of motion and reductions in passive elbow flexion during the intervention phase (PND = 100% for most participants; Hedges' g > 0.8), although maintenance of gains varied across participants.ConclusionBalance training with the Wii Fit balance board resulted in improvements in functional balance and elbow range of motion in children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy. Although balance gains were generally maintained, elbow gains were more variable among subjects at follow-up, suggesting that balance-focused interventions may positively influence upper-limb movement patterns but require additional or sustained intervention to optimize long-term elbow outcomes.Approval codeIR.USWR.REC.1399.149.
