Video Games as a Potential Aid in Balance Improvement
Researchers at Northeastern University in the United States have explored how playing video games can support balance rehabilitation, suggesting benefits that may complement conventional physical therapy. The study appears in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Archives, a peer reviewed medical journal focused on rehabilitation sciences.
To assess the impact, the team conducted a meta-analysis that reviewed more than 100 investigations into active video game interventions. These games include popular platforms such as Wii Fit and Dance Dance Revolution, which require the player to move in ways that challenge postural control and coordination. The synthesis of data indicates that engaging in video game based activities does not worsen balance compared with standard exercise routines. In several age groups, particularly among children and older adults, notable improvements were observed in balance measures when active gaming was incorporated into physical activity plans. The potential reach of these gains extends to individuals with neurological and motor conditions, including multiple sclerosis, Parkinsons disease and cerebral palsy, where balance and mobility are often core concerns.
Experts attribute the positive effects to several factors. Active video games tend to be more enjoyable and motivating than routine therapy sessions, which can lead to higher adherence and longer participation. The immediate feedback provided by these games helps users adjust their movements in real time, reinforcing better balance strategies and functional goals. This immediacy also creates a motivating loop that keeps users engaged and accountable for practice time, an element sometimes missing in traditional rehabilitation programs.
Looking ahead, the researchers envision a future where clinicians consider active video games as a standard tool within the physiotherapy toolbox. Rather than replacing conventional therapy, these games could serve as an adjunct that augments practice, enhances patient motivation, and broadens access to balance training for a wide range of populations. In clinical settings, therapists might tailor game based therapy to address specific impairments, monitor progress with objective in game metrics, and adjust difficulty to match individual recovery trajectories. The study underscores the value of integrating engaging technology with established therapeutic principles to support functional balance and daily living activities for patients across North America, including Canada and the United States. The results provide a foundation for ongoing research and the careful adoption of home based gaming as part of comprehensive rehabilitation programs. The publishers note the potential for future work to define which patient groups benefit most, optimal game types, and the appropriate dosage of active gaming to maximize gains while maintaining safety and enjoyment. Source: Northeastern University research team, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Archives.