Balance in Visual Impairment Before and After Intervention Based Games

Abstract

This article’s objective was to evaluate the balance in low vision deficients before and after 16 game therapy sessions. It was approved by the Research Ethics Committee with protocol 2349/2012, and developed at the Institute of the Blind of Central Brazil in Uberaba, Minas Gerais. The sample was made with 10 individuals with low vision in the age group of 12-23 years. Initially, participants were assessed with the Berg Balance Scale, underwent a session of game therapy with Nintendo Wii Fit and then reassessed. After that, 4 of the 10 participants were chosen to conduct 16 sessions of therapy for 2 months. In the end, the balance was reassessed. The results showed significant improvement in balance. The virtual rehabilitation can be used in several kinds of treatments, as it improves motor function, decreases perception of pain and improves balance. We conclude that the game therapy showed balance improvements in the subjects.

Keywords

• Baixa visão
• Equilíbrio
• Fisioterapia