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Wii-based movement therapy improved CV fitness after stroke

Issue: April 2012

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International Stroke Conference 2012

NEW ORLEANS — Results of a new study suggest that Wii-based movement therapy, such as baseball, boxing or tennis, may improve CV and upper body fitness for those who have had a stroke.

The small study included 15 men and three women (mean age, 61 years), with an average time after stroke of 22 months. All patients participated in a 2-week program of formal therapy on 10 consecutive days with additional home practice using Wii Sports games, such as baseball, bowling, boxing, golf and tennis. Researchers recorded heart rate during the formal sessions’ early, mid and late therapy.

Peak heart rates were 38% higher than resting rates at the end of daily 1-hour formal therapy with additional Wii gaming (<.001). Increases in peak heart rate ranged from 20.9% with the golf activity to 49% with boxing (P<.001). Researchers noted a 23% improvement in functional ability, which transferred to everyday tasks with a 127% improvement (P<.001 for both). Exercise endurance also improved during therapy. These improvements occurred despite most patients being treated with beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors, the researchers said.

“These results suggest that Wii-based movement therapy not only improves upper limb function but also provides a CV challenge mitigating the marked reduction in fitness commonly reported post-stroke,” Penelope A. McNulty, PhD, of Neuroscience Research Australia, and colleagues concluded. “The differential effect on heart rate of the basic Wii Sports games provides a further avenue to tailor therapy for individual patients according to cardiac status and fitness levels.”

For more information:

• McNulty PA. Abstract #3339. Presented at: the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference 2012; Feb. 1-3, 2012; New Orleans.

Disclosure: Dr. McNulty has received research grants from the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia and NSW Office of Science and Medical Research Australia.

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