The reliability and sensitivity of a Wii Balance Board® to measure balance in people with MS

Background: Individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) often experience difficulty with balance and walking. The current best available assessment for balance requires laboratory equipment, which is not readily available outside university settings. As a result, little is known about potential effects on balance following physiotherapy in people with MS. Objective: The aim of this pilot feasibility study was to use the Wii Balance Board (WBB) to measure balance in people with MS, and to investigate the reliability and sensitivity to detect change using force and centre of pressure measures. The measures were taken at baseline and following six physiotherapy interventions. Design Methods: A repeated measure design protocol assessed ten individuals with stable MS and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) range 4—6.5. Participants performed 8 tasks while standing on the WBB. Assessments were conducted on Day 1 and Day 2 to determine reliability, and then following six physiotherapy sessions over 3 weeks to detect a change in performance. Additional clinical measures of balance and gait were measured before and after the interventions. Results: Feasibility was demonstrated by all participants being able to attempt the tasks on the WBB. Preliminary evaluation of the reliability data showed significant correlations in WBB measures. The baseline data were compared to the post treatment performance to evaluate sensitivity in measuring a treatment response. Force and COP variability was significantly different following the intervention in 4 and 3 tasks respectively following the intervention. There was no significant difference in clinical measures following the interventions. Conclusions: The results indicate the Wii balance board is reliable and more sensitive in detecting a change in balance performance than the clinical measures used. WBB technology may be a useful tool for investigating effects of physiotherapy interventions in individuals with MS in clinical trials