Structured Wii protocol for rehabilitation of shoulder impingement syndrome: A pilot study

John-Ross Rizzo; Peter Thai; Edward J Li; Terence Tung; Todd E Hudson; Joseph Herrera; Preeti Raghavan

doi:10.1016/j.rehab.2016.10.004

Structured Wii protocol for rehabilitation of shoulder impingement syndrome: A pilot study

Ann Phys Rehabil Med. 2017 Nov;60(6):363-370. doi: 10.1016/j.rehab.2016.10.004. Epub 2017 Mar 15.

Authors

John-Ross Rizzo¹, Peter Thai², Edward J Li³, Terence Tung⁴, Todd E Hudson⁵, Joseph Herrera³, Preeti Raghavan⁶

Affiliations

¹ Rusk Rehabilitation, New York University School of Medicine, New York University, New York, USA; Department of Neurology, New York University School of Medicine, New York University, New York, USA; Department of Psychology and Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, USA.
² Rusk Rehabilitation, New York University School of Medicine, New York University, New York, USA; College of Medicine, SUNY Upstate Medical University, New York, USA.
³ Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, USA.
⁴ Rusk Rehabilitation, New York University School of Medicine, New York University, New York, USA.
⁵ Rusk Rehabilitation, New York University School of Medicine, New York University, New York, USA; Department of Neurology, New York University School of Medicine, New York University, New York, USA.
⁶ Rusk Rehabilitation, New York University School of Medicine, New York University, New York, USA; Department of Physical Therapy, Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, New York University, New York, USA. Electronic address: preeti.raghavan@nyumc.org.

Abstract

Objective: To determine the feasibility and efficacy of using a structured Nintendo Wii protocol to improve range of motion, strength, and quality of life in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome.

Methods: A total of 14 patients with shoulder pain were randomized to perform a structured Wii protocol (n=8) or conventional therapy (n=6). Pain-free shoulder range of motion, strength, shoulder pain and disability, and quality of life were assessed pre- and post-treatment.

Results: All 8 patients completed the Wii protocol, and 3 completed conventional therapy. The Wii protocol conferred significant improvements in shoulder range of motion, pain and disability, and quality of life but not strength, whereas conventional therapy conferred a significant improvement in strength.

Conclusions: As compared to conventional treatment, the structured Wii protocol implemented in this pilot study was a viable adjunct to therapy for shoulder impingement syndrome. Gaming may have a supplemental benefit by increasing motivation, pleasure, and/or adherence. Further investigation in larger cohorts is warranted.

Keywords: Gaming; Motivation; Rehabilitation; Shoulder impingement syndrome; Shoulder pain.

Publication types

Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

Adult
Aged
Exercise Therapy / methods*
Feasibility Studies
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Muscle Strength
Pilot Projects
Quality of Life
Range of Motion, Articular
Recovery of Function
Shoulder / physiopathology
Shoulder Impingement Syndrome / physiopathology
Shoulder Impingement Syndrome / rehabilitation*
Treatment Outcome
Video Games*

Grants and funding

K12 HD001097/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States