Investigating the effect of using Wii Fit on functional balance and elbow joint flexion in children with spastic unilateral cerebral palsy: an interventional study

Abstract

Abstract Background Rehabilitation of CP population is often challenging for therapists due to insufficient motivation. The Wii Fit balance board can interest CP children to improve their imbalance symptoms. Objectives We aimd to assess the effectiveness of Wii Fit on the functional balance and range of motion of the elbow among children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy. Method We used visual analysis to determine the effect of Wii fit. Children's functional balance data was captured using the Pediatric Balance Scale(PBS). We calculated Percentage of Nonoverlapping Data for PBS scores And the timed up and go(TUG) to measure physical mobility and level of functional capacity. to know the exact effect size of the intervention on the TUG test results, the Hedges'g index was used. Results The Hedges'g index scores consistently above 0.8, showed a significant difference in PBS scores between the baseline and follow-up phases, as well as between the baseline and intervention phases. The TUG test results showed a significant difference between baseline and intervention phases, while between intervention and follow-up, lacked significance. Hedges'g index scores confirmed significant changes between baseline and intervention phases but only identified significant differences in TUG test scores for children No. 2, 5, and 7 when comparing intervention and follow-up phases. The results of changes in active and passive elbow flexion, respectively, showed intervention-related improvements that remained stable in the follow-up phase. Data overlap and Hedges'g index scores suggested consistent improvements between baseline and follow-up and baseline and intervention phases. In contrast, the intervention-to-follow-up phase comparison showed significance for selected children. Conclusion This study confirmed that "the Wii Balance Board" is effective on functional balance. However, the effects of the Wii balance board on the elbow range of motions require further studies.