Wii Fit-Based Biofeedback Rehabilitation Among Post-Stroke Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Stroke is one of the most widespread reasons for acquired adult disability. Recent experimental studies have reported the beneficial influence of Wii Fit-based feedback on improving overall balance and gait for stroke survivors.

Methods: We conducted a systematic review of the literature using the following keywords to retrieve the data: feedback, biofeedback, stroke, visual, auditory, tactile, virtual reality, videogame rehabilitation, Nintendo Wii stroke, videogame stroke, exergame stroke, Nintendo Wii rehabilitation, balance, and gait. A review and meta-analysis of RCTs regarding Wii Fit-based rehabilitation accompanied by conventional therapy effects on Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go (TUG), functional reach test, and gait (speed) in stroke survivors was conducted.

Objective: To determine the impacts of Wii Fit-based feedback combined with traditional therapy on balance and gait in stroke survivors.

Results: 22 studies were included. The meta-analysis results revealed statistically significant improvements in functional ambulation measured using TUG (p < 0.0001), balance measured using BBS (p = 0.0001), and functional reach test (p = 0.01), but not in gait speed (p = 0.32) following Wii Fit-based feedback. Regarding the types of feedback, significant differences were found in BBS scores when mixed visual and auditory feedback was used.

Conclusion: Wii Fit-based feedback has desired effects on improving balance in stroke patients, making it a suitable adjunct to physical therapy.