EFFECTIVENESS OF THE NINTENDO ® WII FIT ™ GAMES ON THE BALANCE OF A COMMUNITY-DWELLING OLDER ADULT IN EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA By

The aim of this study was to determine if the Nintendo ® Wii Fit ™ was an effective and motivating modality for fall prevention with an older adult who has MG and lives in Eastern North Carolina. With the increasing number of older adults, it is imperative for occupational therapists to address balance and fall-prevention. The Nintendo ® Wii Fit ™ is currently being implemented in occupational and physical therapy; however, there is limited research. There is limited research on this topic, as this is an innovative approach to balance rehabilitation. The current study aimed to provide additional evidence regarding the use of the Wii Fit ™ to improve balance. The single-subject study selected an active community-dwelling older adult with Myasthenia Gravis for participation. The study consisted of three phases: phase one combined the Wii Fit ™ balance games with walking outside, phase two consisted of the balance and stepping games on the Wii Fit ™ only, and phase three consisted of walking only. Motivation was measured with a Likert-scale and self-perception of occupational performance was measured through the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). The Four Square Step Test (FSST) and Timed Get Up and Go Test (TGUG) were used to asses