Implementation of computer game technologies for patients with ataxia due to post-traumatic head injury: Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective.Up to 85 % of patients with post-traumatic brain injury suffer motor discoordination,ataxia. The formation of the correct movement patterns, improved balance are important tasks of rehabilitation for these patients. The effectiveness of rehabilitation depends on the plasticity of the nervous system, which is stimulated by repetition of specific movements, training intensity and positive motivation. Background. Computer games were developed in 1970s as an entertainment. Almost instantly, physicians began to use games as a part of the therapy, developed rehabgames. 59-63 % of general population play computer games.Interesting game plot stimulates the correct performance of the exercise,increases speed/amplitude of movements,develops coordination. Methods.RCT.196 patients involved in a study(46,5%males,mean age-26y1m).Control group-97subjects, examination group-99.All of the diagnosed post-traumatic brain injury 6 to 12months after the episode. Patients of examination group were exposed to 30min.computer game training during 2 weeks.We developed specialized computer games for patients with post-traumatic brain injuries having ataxia as a pivotal symptom.Appropriate level of speed and complexity are adjusted during game session.Stabilometry was the test to assess ellipse swing area(cm2),Berg Balance Scale(BBS)-to measure balance. Results.Mean ellipse area for control group was 268,4±67,4cm2 before and 264,2±64,3 after 2weeks(p>0,05), for examination group 257,9±70,4 and 227,1±66,0 cm2 (p<0,05). BBS score improved for both groups from 38,1±2,4 to 40,3±2,6 in control group(p>0,05), 37,2±2,9 to 44,6±3,0 examination group(p<0,05). Conclusions.Developed computer games aimed at training of balance are an effective tool in complex rehabilitation for post-traumatic patients having ataxia. Usage of even short-term rehabilitation using these games improves balance.
Keywords: ataxia, post-traumatic, rehabilitation, computer games