The effects of nintendo wii fit training on the static and dynamic balance of independent walking in children with cerebral palsy

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Nintendo Wii Fit on the static and dynamic balance in the development of independent walking in children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) compared with healthy children. 14 children (mean age: 9.92±2.99 years, B/G= 9/5) with CP and 20 children with normal development (mean age: 9,40±3,13 years, B/G= 9/11). Participants were assessed for muscle tone, muscle length and flexibility, gross motor function levels, static and dynamic balance skills, functional status, and activities of daily living. SPSS 22.00 program was used for statistical analysis. In our study, case group contains children with CP and control group contains children with normal development. The groups are divided into two subgroups in the form of exercise and exercise+wii. Nintendo Wii Fit games were played 1 day a week in addition to exercise+wii group while basic balance exercises were performed for 1 day a week for 16 weeks. According to a result of our work; in the comparison between the groups, Nintendo Wii Fit-supported basic balance exercises are effective in the development of all parameters while the basic balance exercises affect the dynamic balance and functional state (p˂0,05). As a result, Nintendo Wii Fit of to develop static and dynamic balances and their functional skills effective and fun a way at children with SP. Furthermore, future research on this area will contribute to the spread of Nintendo Wii Fit's use in the field of rehabilitation. Key Words: Cerebral Palsy, Virtual Reality, Nintendo Wii Fit, Balance.