Does Wii Fit balance training improve balance and reduce fall risk in diabetic patients as compared to balance training exercises? A randomized control trial.

Abstract

Objective: To determine the effects of Wii Fit gaming on balance deficits in diabetic subjects as compared to balance training exercises. Methodology: This randomized control trial included 66 diabetic participants who were randomly divided into two groups; experimental (n=33) and control (n=33). After baseline assessment, experimental group received Wii fit balance training twice a week, while control group received balance exercises. Reassessment was done after 4 and 8 weeks of interventions. Five participants dropped out. Timed up and go (TUG), Berg balance scale (BBS) and Fukuda test were used as outcome measures. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS v. 21. Results: There were 26 males and 5 females in experimental group while 19 males and 11 females in control group. Improvements throughout the 8 weeks of intervention in both groups were seen from baseline to 8 weeks; TUG: 13.6129±2.485 to 11.2258±1.874 in experimental group and 14.6000±1.792 to 11.5667±1.612 in control group, BBS: 31.484±5.772 to 39.968±8.604 in experimental group and 29.300±5.657 to 35.667±5.609 in control group, Fukuda: 39.0968±7.345 to 27.5806±6.815 in experimental group and 43.2667±5.601 to 34.9333±6.307 in control group. Conclusion: There was no significant difference between Wii fit training and balance training exercises in improving balance among diabetic patients.