Wii N Walk

A Group-based telerehabilitation intervention using Wii Fit to improve walking in older adults with lower limb amputation

Wii.n.Walk explored a novel home-based rehabilitation program that used the Nintendo Wii Fit video game system to help older adult lower-limb prosthesis users to train walking-related functioning. Participants used the Wii balance board to play selected and adapted Wii Fit activities (such as balance games, strength tasks, yoga poses, and simple aerobic exercises) to engage muscles and practice weight shifting in a fun, interactive way. The program combined remote supervision by a clinician with group video sessions and independent home practice, making it easier for people to do therapy outside a clinic. In a clinical study, people who did the Wii.n.Walk program demonstrated more confidence in their balance, although it did not lead to large changes in measured walking distance or physical function compared with a control group that played non-physical Wii games.

Related Publications:

  1. Tao G, Miller WC, Eng JJ, et al. Group-based telerehabilitation intervention using Wii Fit to improve walking in older adults with lower limb amputation (WiiNWalk): A randomized control trial. Clinical Rehabilitation. 2021;36(3):331-341. doi:10.1177/02692155211061222
  2. Tao G, Miller WC, Eng JJ, Lindstrom H, Imam B, Payne M. Self-directed usage of an in-home exergame after a supervised telerehabilitation training program for older adults with lower-limb amputation. Prosthetics and Orthotics International. 2020;44(2):52-59. doi:10.1177/0309364620906272
  3. Imam B, Miller WC, Finlayson H, Eng JJ, Jarus T. A randomized controlled trial to evaluate the feasibility of the Wii Fit for improving walking in older adults with lower limb amputation. Clinical Rehabilitation. 2016;31(1):82-92. doi:10.1177/0269215515623601
  4. Imam B, Miller W, Finlayson H, Eng J, Payne M, Jarus T, Goldsmith C, Mitchell I. A Telehealth Intervention Using Nintendo Wii Fit Balance Boards and iPads to Improve Walking in Older Adults With Lower Limb Amputation (Wii.n.Walk): Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2014;3(4):e8. DOI: 10.2196/resprot.4031