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Game-based Exercises for Dynamic Short-Sitting Balance Rehabilitation of People With Chronic Spinal Cord and Traumatic Brain Injuries

AL Betker, MSc, is a PhD candidate, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
A Desai, BPhysio, is a student in the School of Medical Rehabilitation, University of Manitoba
C Nett, BMR (PT), is a physical therapist in public practice and a clinical lecturer with the School of Medical Rehabilitation, University of Manitoba
N Kapadia, BPhysio, is a student in the School of Medical Rehabilitation, University of Manitoba
T Szturm, PhD, is Associate Professor, Division of Physical Therapy, School of Medical Rehabilitation, University of Manitoba, R106-771 McDermot Ave, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3E 0T6

Address all correspondence to Dr Szturm at: ptsturm{at}cc.umanitoba.ca

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.