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

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.

Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Figures

Fig. 1.

Flow of patients in the study.

Fig. 2.

Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) scores pre- and post-treatment for the Wii and conventional treatment groups. Data are mean ± SD. *P < 0.05.

Fig. 3.

Western Ontario Rotator Cuff (WORC) scores pre- and post-treatment for the Wii and conventional treatment groups. Data are mean ± SD. *P < 0.05.

Fig. 4.

Shoulder range of motion (ROM) in degrees in the sagittal, frontal and horizontal planes pre- and post-treatment for the Wii and conventional treatment groups. Data are mean ± SD. *P < 0.05.

Fig. 5.

Muscle strength of the scapular stabilizers, internal rotators and external rotators pre- and post-treatment for the Wii and conventional treatment groups. Data are mean ± SD.