Concurrent and discriminant validity of Nintendo Wii Fit exergame for the assessment of postural sway.
Atsushi Sato, Ah-Cheng Goh
PMID 33642682WHAT IT FOUND
For adults, two Wii Fit games matched standard balance tests on specific sensory conditions, but for elderly users, no game matched the standard test.
The games did distinguish adults from elderly participants, but they are not a valid substitute for clinical balance assessment in older adults.
Key findings
01In adults, the 'ski slalom' game correlated with the standard balance test when visual input was conflicted on foam, and 'balance bubble' correlated when eyes were open on foam.
02In elderly participants, none of the tested Wii Fit games showed valid correlation with the standard balance test, suggesting the system is not a reliable substitute for clinical assessment in this group.
03The three Wii Fit games used could distinguish between adults and elderly participants, with adults performing significantly better on all tasks.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
Only three of the eight available standing balance games were tested. The study included only adults and elderly participants, excluding children or adolescents. The 'negative' correlations found in the elderly were interpreted by the authors as a lack of validity, but the statistical relationship itself warrants caution in interpretation. Participants were community-dwelling and independent; results may not apply to those with existing balance impairments or disabilities.
Declared interests
The authors declared no conflicts of interest and no funding sources.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume that because Wii Fit games can distinguish between young and old users, they accurately measure balance impairment in older adults. The study found no valid correlation between the games and the gold-standard force platform in the elderly group, meaning the games are not a clinically valid substitute for standard balance assessment in this population.