Game-based exercises for dynamic short-sitting balance rehabilitation of people with chronic spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Goal-oriented, task-specific training has been shown to improve function; however, it can be difficult to maintain patient interest. This report describes a rehabilitation protocol for the maintenance of balance in a short-sitting position following spinal cord and head injuries by use of a center-of-pressure- controlled video game- based tool. The scientific justification for the selected treatment is discussed. Case Descriptions: Three adults were treated: 1 young adult with spina bifida (T10 and L1-L2), 1 middle-aged adult with complete paraplegia (complete lesion at T11-L1), and 1 middle-aged adult with traumatic brain injury. All patients used wheelchairs full-time. Outcomes: The patients showed increased motivation to perform the game-based exercises and increased dynamic short-sitting balance. Discussion: The patients exhibited increases in practice volume and attention span during training with the game-based tool. In addition, they demonstrated substantial improvements in dynamic balance control. These observations indicate that a video game-based exercise approach can have a substantial positive effect by improving dynamic short-sitting balance. © 2007 American Physical Therapy Association.