Faculty Advisor

Beato, Morris

Publication Date

Spring 2018

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of falls can be as high as 73% in the stroke population. Falls occur as a result of multiple factors. Factors such as balance impairments can be improved through physical therapy intervention. However, Medicare and other insurance payers limit the number of visits per patient. It is crucial to find new ways to track balance after discharge from physical therapy.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to discover if the Nintendo Wii Fit can be used as a fall risk assessment tool among the post-stroke population.

Methodology: This study is a prospective observational study. Eleven stroke survivors were recruited (mean age 63.36 years). Each participant completed a balance and fall risk assessment using the Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up & Go (TUG), Four Square Step Test (FSST), with additional measures of Five Times Sit-to-Stand (FTSTS) and 8-foot walk test (8FWT). Descriptive statistics will allow for sample representation and comparison to norms, while bivariate correlation will examine the validity of the Nintendo Wii Fit as a fall risk assessment tool in this population.

Results: % Wii Age was found to be correlated with gait speed measured by the 8 foot walk test. Physical therapy outcome measures also significantly with each other. Future analysis will determine if there is correlation between Wii Fit age and fall risk.

Conclusion: Results from this study will inform the potential use of the Wii Fit in fall risk assessment of stroke survivors. These findings and implications will be thoroughly outlined in this presentation.

Access Status

UCF Only

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