Effectiveness and safety of Nintendo Wii Fit PlusTM training in children with migraine without aura: a preliminary study

Abstract

BackgroundMigraine without aura (MoA) is a painful syndrome, particularly in childhood; it is often accompanied by severe impairments, including emotional dysfunction, absenteeism from school, and poor academic performance, as well as issues relating to poor cognitive function, sleep habits, and motor coordination.Materials and methodsThe study population consisted of 71 patients affected by MoA (32 females, 39 males) (mean age: 9.13±1.94 years); the control group consisted of 93 normally developing children (44 females, 49 males) (mean age: 8.97±2.03 years) recruited in the Campania school region. The entire population underwent a clinical evaluation to assess total intelligence quotient level, visual-motor integration (VMI) skills, and motor coordination performance, the later using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children (M-ABC). Children underwent training using the Wii-balance board and Nintendo Wii Fit Plus™ software (Nintendo Co, Ltd, Kyoto, Japan); training lasted for 12 weeks and consisted of three 30-minute sessions per week at their home.ResultsThe two starting populations (MoA and controls) were not significantly different for age (P=0.899) and sex (P=0.611). M-ABC and VMI performances at baseline (T0) were significantly different in dexterity, balance, and total score for M-ABC (P<0.001) and visual (P=0.003) and motor (P<0.001) tasks for VMI. After 3 months of Wii training (T1), MoA children showed a significant improvement in M-ABC global performance (P<0.001), M-ABC dexterity (P<0.001), M-ABC balance (P<0.001), and VMI motor task (P<0.001).ConclusionOur study reported the positive effects of the Nintendo Wii Fit Plus™ system as a rehabilitative device for the visuomotor and balance skills impairments among children affected by MoA, even if further research and longer follow-up are needed.

The contribution of NintendoWii Fitseries in the field of health: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Overall, the qualitative review of these studies supports a positive effect of Wii Fit interventions on balance outcomes. Among the 55 studies, 50 observed a positive effect of Wii Fit on at least one parameter ( Morone et al, 2014 ; Wall et al, 2015 ; Bieryla & Dold, 2013 ; Rendon et al, 2012 ; Bainbridge et al, 2011 ; Fung et al, 2012 ; Salem et al, 2012 ; Barcala et al, 2013 ; Yatar & Yildirim, 2015 ; Meldrum et al, 2015 ; Ferguson et al, 2013 ; Hammond et al, 2014 ; Mombarg, Jelsma & Hartman, 2013 ; Jelsma et al, 2013 , 2014 ; Esposito et al, 2013 ; Tarakci et al, 2013 ; Gioftsidou et al, 2013 ; Melong & Keats, 2013 ; Lee, Lee & Park, 2014 ; Cone, Levy & Goble, 2015 ; Baltaci et al, 2013 ; Sims et al, 2013 ; Punt et al, 2015 ; Brichetto et al, 2013 ; Nilsagård, Forsberg & von Koch, 2013 ; Prosperini et al, 2013 ; Robinson et al, 2015 ; Hung et al, 2014 ; Omiyale, Crowell & Madhavan, 2015 ; Williams et al, 2011 ; Bateni, 2012 ; Orsega-Smith et al, 2012 ; Toulotte, Toursel & Olivier, 2012 ; Chao et al, 2013 , 2014 ; Cho, Hwangbo & Shin, 2014 ; Nicholson et al, 2015 ; Roopchand-Martin et al, 2015 ; Williams et al, 2010 ; Agmon et al, 2011 ; Jorgensen et al, 2013 ; Esculier et al, 2012 ; dos Santos Mendes et al, 2012 ; Padala et al, 2012 ; Pompeu et al, 2012 ; Mhatre et al, 2013 ; Esculier, Vaudrin & Tremblay, 2014 ; Goncalves et al, 2014 ; …”

Visual&ndash;spatial training efficacy in children affected by migraine without aura: a multicenter study

“…In this light, using virtual environments can be identified as beneficial to the efficiency and outcome of rehabilitative program in children with disabling medical conditions or lower level of physical fitness. 27 Moreover, considering that children with migraine are identified as less inclined to engaging in physical activities, 27 stimulating them through exergaming and/or software training (active computer games), which they enjoy, may be useful to promote their motor skills. On the other hand, many reports showed specific links between neuropsychological impairment and neuroimaging findings in migraine subjects in both adults and children.…”

“… 25 Moreover, Esposito et al 11 reported the association between poor motor coordination and MwA in children suggesting a role of impairment in perceptual organization abilities of children with MwA as the cause for motor coordination and visual–motor integration (VMI) impairment of these subjects. 26 In this context, we previously proposed a new rehabilitation approach to these conditions in children affected by MwA, 27 suggesting a positive role of exergames in motor coordination improvement, although only partial improvement in VMI abilities has been obtained.…”

Usability testing of a monitoring and feedback tool to stimulate physical activity

“…However, primary health care providers need strategies to improve their ability to counsel patients effectively 12,13. New technologies can be applied to support health care interventions in all age groups 14–16. In the It’s LiFe!…”