Table 3.
Studies investigating the use of video games for fall prevention in older people.
| Authors | Sample | Intervention | Measures | Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| De Bruin et al. (2011) [68] |
Total sample: n = 28; experimental group: n = 11 (mean age: 86.8 ± 8.1); control group: n = 17 (mean age: 85.2 ± 5.5) |
Computer dancing games | Gait assessment, ETGUG, fear of falling | Significant improvement in dual tasks of walking and increased decrease in fear of falling in the experimental group |
| William et al. (2011) [69] |
Total sample: n = 22, mean age: 83.86 ± 5.47 | 20 min training sessions with Nintendo’s Wii Fit activities | BBS | Significant improvement in balance scores after 12 weeks of training |
| Picchierri et al. (2012) [70] |
Total sample: n = 31, mean age: 86.2 ± 4.6; experimental group: n = 15 Control group: n = 16 |
Training twice a week with a dance video game | PPA, FPA, FES-I, gaze behaviour, gait analysis | Significant improvement in step time and fast walking performance under dual task conditions in the experimental group |
| Kliem et al. (2010) [73] |
Total sample: n = 22 (mean age 47.6 ± 13.1) | Experimental group: training with the Nintendo Wii Fit TM Balance Board Control group: traditional training |
SEBT, ball-handling, ski slalom, balance bubble, dynamic balance | Control group improved in SEBT and ball-handling; experimental group improved only in the ski slalom |
| Schoene et al. (2013) [71] |
Total sample: n = 32; experimental group: n = 15, mean age: 77.5 ± 4.5; control group: n = 17, mean age. 78.4 ± 4.5 |
Dance Dance Revolution, 2–3 sessions per week for 15–20 min over 8 weeks | CSRT, PPA | Experimental group improved their CSRT and PPA scores, their postural sway, and contrast sensitivity |
| Nicholson et al. (2015) [72] |
Total sample: n = 41 (mean age: 74.5 ± 5.4); experimental group: n = 19 (F = 12; M = 7, mean age: 75 ± 6); control group: n = 22 (F = 15; M = 7, mean age: 74 ± 5) |
30 min of unsupervised Wii balance gaming three times a week | Timed up-and-go, left single-leg balance, lateral reach, gait speed | Significantly greater improvement in timed up-and-go, left single-leg balance, both lateral reach, and gait speed in the experimental group |
CSRT: Choice Stepping Reaction Time; PPA: Physiological Profile Assessment; FPA: Foot placement accuracy; FES-I: Falls Efficacy Scale International; ETGUG: Extended time get-up-and-go; BBS: Berg Balance Scale.