Wiihabilitation

1. Developing an Evidence Based Guideline and protocol for using Wii for Rehabilitation Wiihabilitation Rebecca Moore Physiotherapist Orange Health Service October 2012

2. Outline • Overview of the Wii System • Background (Issue and Aims of the project) • Evidence for intervention • Limitations to the evidence • Protocol Development and Use • Future Directions

3. What is Wii? • The Nintendo Wii was developed and released by Nintendo in 2006 as an of the shelf virtual reality gaming system. • It involves interacting with a virtual environment projected on the TV screen using hand held remotes or a weight sensing balance board.

4. Components • TV screen • Used to display the virtual environment • Provides feedback on interaction with the environment • Wii Console • Holds the software disc

5. Components • Wii Remote/s • Wireless, hand held, motion-sensitive controls • Can be used as a direct pointing device • Feedback provided by a rumble device and a built-in speaker in the remote. • Wii Fit Balance Board • Motion sensitive • Interprets the movement of the feet and senses weight distribution over base of support

6. What is Wiihabilitation? • “Wiihabilitation” refers to the use of the Nintendo Wii virtual reality system as a form of rehabilitative therapy.

7. The Issue • Nintendo Wii was purchased for OHS Rehab Unit but it was being under-utilised. The Aim • To develop an evidence based guideline for using Wii for Rehab. • To develop a protocol for using Wii in the rehab setting.

8. The Evidence for Wiihab • Limited research presently • Review of evidence revealed 5 studies appropriate to relate to our PICOT question “Can Nintendo Wii be used as a useful adjunct to physiotherapy service in a rehabilitation unit to facilitate improved patient outcomes regarding function and independence post stroke?” • 1 x meta analysis – Looked at multiple Virtual Reality Technologies • 3 x RCT’s • one of which was included in the meta analysis

9. Saposnik et al - Effectiveness of Virtual Reality Using Wii Gaming Technology in Stroke Rehabilitation A Pilot Randomised Control Trial and Proof of Principle (Stroke. 41(7): 1477-84, 2010 Jul.) • Purpose • To examine the feasibility, safety and efficacy of using Wii in patients post stroke to facilitate motor function of the upper extremity required for activities of daily living. • Design • Randomised, Single Blind, Parallel group trial • Sample • 22 participants, aged 18-85, sub acute phase (up to 6 months) • Able to shrug shoulders and touch chin with affected arm.

10. Saposnik et al - Cont. (Stroke. 41(7): 1477-84, 2010 Jul.) • Results • Wii group had a significant improvement in mean motor function (Wolf Motor Function Test) of 7 seconds compared to control • Conclusion • Wiigaming technology does represent a safe, feasible and potentially effective alternative to facilitate rehabilitation therapy and promote motor recovery after stroke.

11. Kim et al –Use of Virtual Reality to Enhance Balance and ambulation in Chronic Stroke. A double-blind Randomised Controlled Study (Am J of Phy Med and Rehab. 88: 693-701, 2009.) • Purpose • To examine the additive effect of virtual reality on balance and gait function in patients with chronic hemiparetic stroke • Design • Double Blinded Randomised Control Study • Sample • 24 Adults, at least 1 year post stroke, With the ability to stand and walk indoors

12. Kim et al – Cont. (Am J of Phy Med and Rehab. 88: 693-701, 2009.) • Result • Experimental group had improved BBS and significant improvements in velocity, modified MAS scores, cadence, step time, step length and stride length. • Conclusion • Virtual reality has an augmented effect on balance and associated locomotor recovery in adults with hemiparetic stroke when added to conventional therapy.

13. Hurkmans et al –Energy Expenditure in Chronic Stroke Patients playing Wii Sports: a pilot studyJournal of Neuroengineering and Rehab. 8:38,2011 • Purpose • To investigate if the intensity of physical activity and therefore energy expenditure among chronic stroke patients while playing Wii Sports is sufficient to meet current evidence based guidelines for maintenance and improvement of health among stroke survivors. • Conclusion • Mean energy expenditure reached appropriate levels for moderate exercise, 3.7 METs for tennis and 4.1 METs for boxing

14. What the evidence doesn’t tell us • What about the patients that don’t’ fit the inclusion criteria of the studies? • Only looks at a very few select games • Doesn’t indicate how to pick which games to use with which patients

15. Requirements of a protocol • A way to match the patients ability and skill level with the difficulty and skill requirements of a game • A way to pick the right game to train what you want to improve • Simple decision mechanism for therapists not familiar with Wii games to use Wii

16. Developing a protocol • Step 1 – Compile a database of games that included: • Skills required for each game (motor and cognitive) • Equipment required for each game • Various ways to play the game (ie. seated, standing)

17. Database Sample

18. Developing a protocol • Step 2 – Choose a standardised tool to assess a patients impairments and skill level. • Motor Assessment Scale • 8 items Scored from 1-6 (Rolling, Bed Mobility, Sitting Balance, Sit to Stand, Walking, Upper Arm Function, Hand Movements, Advanced Hand Activities)

19. Motor Assessment Scale

20. Developing a protocol • Step 3 – Create a system by which therapists can match the skills of the patient to the appropriate games available on Wii. • Decision Trees • Static Balance • Lower limb function and dynamic balance • Arm function • Cardiovascular Fitness

24. Where we are at now • Trialling the decision trees in our rehab unit • Set up as part of circuit training group at present • Biggest limitation to use is cognition • Getting feedback from patients and therapists • Continuing to monitor emerging evidence and adapt practise to meet evidence recommendations

25. Future Directions • Research project in the clinical setting • Rotating staff through the area • Blinding difficult in a small setting • Ethics approval  Needs to be an adjunct to routine therapy .. Time constraints • Applicability across settings • Paediatrics • Acute wards • In the community

26. The Beginning!