27 people with multiple sclerosis underwent a 12 week intervention using a Wii balance board. Researchers used an MRI technique called diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to study changes in the brain. The MRI scans have shown that use of the balance board appears to induce positive changes in brain connections associated with balance and movement.
Dr Prosperini lead researcher said 'The most important finding in this study is that a task-oriented and repetitive training aimed at managing a specific symptom is highly effective and induces brain plasticity," he said. "More specifically, the improvements promoted by the Wii balance board can reduce the risk of accidental falls in patients with MS, thereby reducing the risk of fall-related comorbidities like trauma and fractures'
Dr Susan Coote, MS Reseacher at the University of Limerick (UL) said, "Balance problems are common for people with MS and lead to problems with walking or falls and injury. Because balance is a complex problem that can be caused by weakness, poor sensation, poor coordination or a combination of all of these, assessment and treatment by a Chartered Physiotherapist is important.
The Wii balance board is one promising treatment option that may suit people with relatively minor balance problems and the studies by Prosperini et al have reported interesting results. They reported that the treatment can improve balance and reduce falls, but also showed that changes at brain level were responsible for the improvements seen – this is important as we strive to understand the best ways to address these complex balance problems for people with MS. Other treatments such as physiotherapy based on core stability, dual tasking and sensory inputs can also make a difference as can home programmes. Because MS symptoms vary it is important that we have a range of treatment options to suit the individual nature of MS symptoms."
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