The aim of the present study is to compare the efficiency of traditional and video game based balance training programs. 22 customers of a health care centre (age: M = 47.6 yrs; SD = 13.1) volunteered to participate in the experiment. They were randomly assigned to two experimental groups. One group underwent a traditional training program, while the other group trained using the Nintendo Wii Fit TM Balance Board. Between pre and post test procedures, training sessions were performed three times a week for three weeks. In addition to five balance tests (SEBT, ball-handling, two video games, dynamic balance), a questionnaire was applied concerning mood state, self-efficacy, physical activity enjoyment, flow and subjective experience in order to evaluate psychological effects of the interventions. Two-factor analyses of variance showed both general and differential improvements of the two groups for pre and post test measures. Both groups improved their balance performance in 4 of five tests. The traditional group showed a significantly greater improvement in two tests (SEBT: F(1,20) = 8.907, p = .007, n² = .308; ball-handling: F(1,20) = 13.578, p = .001, n² = .404), whereas the Wii group showed a significantly greater improvement in one test (Ski Slalom (F(1,20) = 5.101, p = .035, n² = .203). Psychological questionnaires revealed neither significant pre-post effects nor differences between the groups for pre and post test measurements. The results confirm that the Nintendo Wii Fit TM may be a suitable medium of training balance in prevention and rehabilitation of adults. Specific effects of training are more pronounced than transfer between virtual and real performance.
© Copyright 2010 International Journal of Computer Science in Sport. Sciendo. All rights reserved.