Wii-Fit For Improving Activity, Gait And Balance In Alzheimer's Dementia

University of Nebraska1 site in 1 country22 target enrollmentNovember 1, 2009

Overview

Brief Summary

Alzheimer's Dementia (AD) contributes to poor balance, impaired gait and functional status, thereby, increasing the risk of falls. AD is an independent risk factor for hip fractures. Those with balance problems and gait impairments are at higher risk for long term placement and death related to falls. Exercise interventions improve gait and balance in the elderly. In participants with existing AD, physical activity has shown to prevent further cognitive decline and improve quality of life and prevent falls. However, it is difficult to engage patients with AD in long term exercise programs. The expense of physical therapy limits its easy accessibility. Use of everyday technology might bridge this gap by providing high level of engagement via the use of multimedia while providing a cost-effective alternative. Wii Fit is one such multimedia platform.

Wii fit is a Nintendo gaming console used for aerobics, strength training and balance activities. This device includes a balance board that senses weight and shifts in movement and balance. Virtual trainers talk the user through the activity while tracking the user's progress. The investigators propose an 8-week prospective randomized study with the treatment group receiving the exercise program delivered by Wii-Fit system and the comparison arm receiving a walking exercise program in a community dwelling setting. Subjects in each arm will participate for 30 minutes daily five days a week.

Detailed Description

Alzheimer's Dementia (AD) contributes to poor balance, impaired gait and functional status, thereby, increasing the risk of falls. AD is an independent risk factor for hip fractures. Those with balance problems and gait impairments are at higher risk for long term placement and death related to falls. Gait impairments in those with dementia include shortened step length, increased double support time, step to step variability, and decreased gait speed. These gait impairments worsen with dual tasking probably due to common brain areas involved in gait and other cognitive tasks. Exercise interventions improve gait and balance in the elderly. In subjects with existing AD, physical activity has shown to prevent further cognitive decline and improve quality of life and prevent falls. However, it is difficult to engage patients with AD in long term exercise programs. The expense of physical therapy limits its easy accessibility. Use of everyday technology might bridge this gap by providing high level of engagement via the use of multimedia while providing a cost effective alternative. Wii Fit is one such multimedia platform. Wii fit is a Nintendo gaming console used for aerobics, strength training and balance activities. This device includes a balance board that senses weight and shifts in movement and balance. Virtual trainers talk the user through the activity while tracking the user's progress. Although some skilled nursing facilities have started using Wii game system adjunct to routine physical therapy, there have not been any studies. Anecdotal reports note improvement in balance and social benefits using the Wii Fit program. Physical therapists report the ability to customize Wii for each patient. Wii Fit can be successfully used in a cognitively impaired population. A unique feature of this approach is the enjoyment and enthusiasm that many patients derive which is reflected in high levels of engagement. The invesitgators propose an 8 week prospective randomized study with the treatment group receiving the exercise program delivered by Wii-Fit system and the comparison arm receiving a walking exercise program in a community dwelling setting. Subjects in each arm will participate for 30 minutes daily five days a week.

Registry

clinicaltrials.gov

Start Date

November 1, 2009

End Date

July 6, 2012

Last Updated

2 years ago

Study Type

Interventional

Study Design

Parallel

Sex

All

Investigators

Sponsor

University of Nebraska

Responsible Party

Sponsor

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

•Subjects age ≥ 60
•Diagnosis of mild Dementia of Alzheimer's type (MMSE ≥ 18)
•Community dwelling elders, living at home
•History of fall at least once during the year before the study (without serious injury) or a fear of a future fall
•Presence of caregiver(s)
•Presence of television at home

Exclusion Criteria

•History of myocardial infarction or TIA or stroke in last 6 months
•Presence of serious psychiatric problems that have impact on memory
•Active cancer or new cancer diagnosis in the last year other than skin cancer
•Medical conditions likely to compromise survival, or ability to participate in the exercise program such as severe congestive heart failure, significant musculoskeletal impairments, recent fracture, joint replacements, or severe chronic pain
•Severe visual or auditory impairment or peripheral neuropathy
•Subjects using wheel chair or assistive device for mobility

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Biomechanical assessment of gait

Time Frame: 8 weeks and 16 weeks

Biomechanical assessment of gait - reflective markers attached to anatomical landmarks are tracked with motion capture cameras that provide body segment position data as subjects walk on a treadmill. The position data is then used to calculate joint movements, velocities, etc.

Berg Balance Test

Time Frame: 8 weeks and 16 weeks

The Berg Balance Scale involves 14 mobility tasks, divided into 3 domains: sitting balance, standing balance, and dynamic balance. In the sitting balance, the task is the evaluation of sitting unsupported. Standing balance consist of standing unsupported, standing with eyes closed, standing with feet together, standing on one foot, turning to look behind, grabbing an object from the floor, reaching forward with outstretched arms, and placing one foot in front of the other. In the last domain, the dynamic balance is evaluated with the individual going from sitting to standing, standing to sitting, transferring, turning 360 degrees, placing one foot on a step. Each task is graded on a 5-point ordinal scale that ranges from 0 to 4 for a maximum score of 56. In general, a score of 0 is given when the individual is unable to perform the task, and a

Biomechanical assessment of balance

Time Frame: 8 weeks and 16 weeks

Biomechanical assessment of balance - center of pressure is assessed while standing on a force platform.