Validation of the Wii Balance Board to assess static balance during dual-task activity in healthy subjects

Abstract

Objective: Although dual-task paradigm is commonly used in rehabilitation there is, currently, a lack of information about quantitative balance assessment performed in dual-task conditions. The aim of this study is to validate the use of the Nintendo Wii Balance Board (WBB) to assess balance modifications induced by dual-task activity in healthy subjects. Material and methods: Seventy-five healthy participants (37 ± 14 years old, 173 ± 8 cm, 73 ± 16 kg, 35 women) participated in this study. Balance was recorded in control situation (baseline) and under two different cognitive tasks (verbal fluency and calculation). Each trial lasted for 60 s and were performed with eyes open and closed. Nine parameters were extracted based on center of pressure displacement based on a previously-validated method. ANOVA tests were used to compare the different conditions followed by Bonferroni’s corrections. Protocol was repeated one week after to assess the reproducibility. Results: Statistically significant differences were found comparing eyes open and closed situation. Concerning the influence of dual-tasks statistically significant decrease of the balance was observed for both eyes open and closed conditions (increase of the total sway and the speed of displacement). Concerning the reproducibility all parameters shows good to excellent ICC values for the different conditions. Conclusion: In this study, we demonstrated the validity of the WBB to detect the effect of the dual-task on balance in healthy subjects. Further studies are needed to determine if such a kind of evaluation can be used in clinics with subjects at risk of falling.

Keywords

• Balance
• Wii Balance Board
• Dual-task
• Cognition