The Effect of Wii-Based Interactive Virtual Games on Spasticity, Gait, Balance, and Trunk Control of Children with Mild Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Aim: The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of Nintendo Wii treatment (NWT) on spasticity, balance, gait, and trunk control in individuals with mild cerebral palsy (CP). Method: This randomized controlled trial included a total of 35 individuals with mild CP: the Nintendo Wii therapy group (WiiG, n:17) and the control group (CG, n:18). The individuals in both groups received conventional physiotherapy (CPT) for 40 minutes in two sessions per week for 8 consecutive weeks. The WiiG received Nintendo Wii Treatment (NWT) for 20 minutes in two sessions per week for 8 consecutive weeks using the Nintendo Wii Fit gaming console in addition to CPT. The Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), Functional Forward Reach Test (FFRT), Functional Sideways Reach Test (FSRT), 10-meter walking test (10-mWT), and Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS) were evaluated before and after the intervention. Group x time interaction was demonstrated using the ANOVA (2×2 factorial Analysis of Variance). Results: Right elbow flexor MAS decreased only in the WiiG (p=0.035) but did not differ between both groups (p>0.05). Furthermore, FFRT, FSRT, 10-mWT, and all sub-tests of TIS scores improved in the WiiG (p<0.05), while only TIS-Trunk Coordination increased in the CG (p=0.023). Conclusion: NWT in addition to conventional physiotherapy, has positive effects on balance, gait, and trunk control in the rehabilitation process of CP. More research is needed to better understand the effects of NWT on spasticity.