Wii-Fit For Improving Activity, Gait And Balance In Alzheimer's Dementia

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Alzheimer's Dementia (AD) contributes to poor balance, impaired gait and functional status, thereby, increasing the risk of falls. AD is an independent risk factor for hip fractures. Those with balance problems and gait impairments are at higher risk for long term placement and death related to falls. Gait impairments in those with dementia include shortened step length, increased double support time, step to step variability, and decreased gait speed. These gait impairments worsen with dual tasking probably due to common brain areas involved in gait and other cognitive tasks. Exercise interventions improve gait and balance in the elderly. In subjects with existing AD, physical activity has shown to prevent further cognitive decline and improve quality of life and prevent falls. However, it is difficult to engage patients with AD in long term exercise programs. The expense of physical therapy limits its easy accessibility. Use of everyday technology might bridge this gap by providing high level of engagement via the use of multimedia while providing a cost effective alternative. Wii Fit is one such multimedia platform. Wii fit is a Nintendo gaming console used for aerobics, strength training and balance activities. This device includes a balance board that senses weight and shifts in movement and balance. Virtual trainers talk the user through the activity while tracking the user's progress. Although some skilled nursing facilities have started using Wii game system adjunct to routine physical therapy, there have not been any studies. Anecdotal reports note improvement in balance and social benefits using the Wii Fit program. Physical therapists report the ability to customize Wii for each patient. Wii Fit can be successfully used in a cognitively impaired population. A unique feature of this approach is the enjoyment and enthusiasm that many patients derive which is reflected in high levels of engagement. The invesitgators propose an 8 week prospective randomized study with the treatment group receiving the exercise program delivered by Wii-Fit system and the comparison arm receiving a walking exercise program in a community dwelling setting. Subjects in each arm will participate for 30 minutes daily five days a week.

Official Title
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Wii-Fit For Improving Activity, Gait And Balance In Alzheimer's Dementia

Conditions
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Alzheimer's Dementia, Falls, Gait Impairment, Balance Impairment

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Wii-Fit intervention
* Other: Walking exercise program


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Subjects age ≥ 60 Diagnosis of mild Dementia of Alzheimer's type (MMSE ≥ 18) Community dwelling elders, living at home History of fall at least once during the year before the study (without serious injury) or a fear of a future fall Presence of caregiver(s) Presence of television at home Exclusion Criteria: History of myocardial infarction or TIA or stroke in last 6 months Presence of serious psychiatric problems that have impact on memory Active cancer or new cancer diagnosis in the last year other than skin cancer Medical conditions likely to compromise survival, or ability to participate in the exercise program such as severe congestive heart failure, significant musculoskeletal impairments, recent fracture, joint replacements, or severe chronic pain Severe visual or auditory impairment or peripheral neuropathy Subjects using wheel chair or assistive device for mobility

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 60 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Double


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Wii-Fit arm<br>Half hour daily, five days a week, for 8 weeks | Other: Wii-Fit intervention<br>* Half hour daily, five days a week, for 8 weeks<br>* Other names: Exercise intervention;|
| Active Comparator: Walking arm<br>Half hour daily, five days a week, for 8 weeks | Other: Walking exercise program<br>* walking exercise program<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Berg Balance Test |  | 8 weeks and 16 weeks | 
| Biomechanical assessment of balance, gait and dual tasking |  | 8 weeks and 16 weeks | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Activities of daily living (ADL) |  | 8 weeks and 16 weeks | 
| Instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) |  | 8 weeks and 16 weeks | 
| Quality Of Life-AD (QOL-AD) |  | 8 weeks and 16 weeks | 
| Mini mental state exam (MMSE) |  | 8 weeks and 16 weeks | 
| Falls Efficacy Scale (FES) |  | 8 weeks and 16 weeks | 
| Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC) |  | 8 weeks and 16 weeks | 
| Exit-25 |  | 8 weeks and 16 weeks | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Alzheimer's dementia, Wii-Fit, Walking, Falls