Video game helps the aged
Wits students conducted a pilot study at the Ron Smith Care Centre in February to determine whether the Nintendo Wii can improve the standing balance and quality of life among a geriatric population.
The study was performed within a South African independent living and care centre context.
Wii is a home video game which detects movement in three dimensions and supports a range of sports games.
Four, full-time BSc Occupational Therapy students, Ms Jacinta Antrobus, Ms Kate Delmont, Ms Lauren Holiinson and Ms Michelle Brown initially came up with the idea from one of their supervisors at the beginning of their third year.
Ms Antrobus said they wanted to identify a means of providing therapy to the geriatric population in a fun and meaningful way. This would help improve essential components such as balance and quality of life.
When the Geriatrics Research Group continued their research this year, they spent two weeks undertaking data collection at the Ron Smith Care Centre in Lyndhurst. Seven suitable participants were selected and had to meet a certain criteria.
“The criteria consisted of being able to walk without walking aids and being physically able to cope with the light exercise demanded by the study,” said Ms Antrobus.
The game chosen for the elderly was bowling as it met the criteria for improving the participants’ balance. A 79-year-old resident said that after being part of the study he noticed an improvement in his co-ordination. The only thing most of the residents required assistance with was learning how to use the technology.
In the students’ observations, the Wii experience increased participants’ social interaction.
“The results of the pilot project should be available in August and we are hoping the study will provide insight and motivation into whether or not including Wii activities in occupational therapy will improve balance and quality of life,” said Ms Brown.
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