Effect of a Wii Fit Intervention on Components of Fall Risk in Middle-aged Women
Condition: Falls; Osteopenia
MeSH terms: Bone Diseases, Metabolic
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      Losses of muscular fitness/balance are common occurrences with aging that can lead to an
      increased fall-risk. The accelerated bone loss that may accompany menopause makes some women
      even more "at-risk" for serious consequences related to falling. Interventions to reduce
      fall-risk have been conducted in an attempt to improve balance or muscular fitness, but often
      these interventions require monotonous exercises that don't arouse enough long-term interest
      to elicit the improvements. In other words, while the intervention may be beneficial,
      participants quit before they can realize any gains.

      Currently, there is little research that uses novel technology-based programs to promote
      balance exercises among middle-aged women. The Wii Fit system includes various strength and
      balance exercises integrated into games intended to have the participant have fun and retain
      interest, while also improving fitness. By using such a program, women could potentially
      improve their balance and decrease their fall risk in a way that is fun and exciting.

      The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of a Wii Fit based exercise program on
      balance/muscular fitness/markers of bone health in women between the ages of 45-60 with low
      bone mass. Volunteers who have moderately low bone levels (n = 28) will be randomly assigned
      to either the Wii Fit exercise intervention or a normally active control. Balance ability,
      muscular fitness, body composition, physical activity levels and markers of bone health will
      be assessed before and after the intervention.

      Each participant in the intervention will be provided a pre-programmed Wii Fit console and
      balance board to use at home. The intervention will consist of a 12-week program that they
      perform 30 minutes a day 3 days a week. The exercises include 10 minutes of Yoga poses and
      strength exercises and then 20 minutes of balance games such as soccer heading, ski slalom
      and table tilt.

      At the 6 week point and the conclusion of the intervention, participants will come to the lab
      for testing on the same tests done initially.

      The overall goal of this study is to gauge the efficacy of this intervention to improve
      balance, fitness, and bone health in at-risk women. This project is important because it
      offers an exciting, fun, and motivating way to impact fall-risk before clinical symptoms
      develop. Overall, this intervention could significantly reduce healthcare dollars spent on
      fall-related outcomes, as well as reduce fall-related mortality.
    


Intervention name(s): Wii Fit; Wait-List Control
Intervention type(s): Behavioral; Behavioral
Intervention description(s): Exercises to be done on the Wii Fit include: warrior pose, half-moon pose, lunges, side lunges, balance bubble, ski slalom, soccer heading, and table tilt.; Participants maintain currently physical activity and diet habits for 12 weeks. They have the option to participate in the intervention at the end of the 12-week period, but it is not mandatory.
Other intervention name(s): Nintendo Wii Fit Intervention
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)
Primary purpose: Prevention