Use of the Xbox Kinect virtual gaming system to improve gait, postural control and cognitive awareness in an individual with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this report is to describe an intervention using the Xbox Kinect virtual gaming system to improve gait, postural control and cognitive awareness in order to reduce falls and improve the quality of life for an individual with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. Methods: A 65-year-old woman with a five-year history of PSP and frequent falls presented for physical therapy. Her case was complicated by poor ability to visually track objects, axial rigidity, retropulsion, poor postural control with reaching and declines in cognitive awareness. Intervention was provided using the Xbox Kinect for 12 one-hour sessions over six weeks in an outpatient setting. Games were selected to challenge functional motor and cognitive tasks based on patient enjoyment. Results: The Xbox Kinect intervention may have contributed to a decline in falls and maintenance of scores on the BBS, TUG and 10 Meter Walk Tests above fall risk values. A decline in quality of life measures, PDQ-39 and FFABQ, may be attributed to an increase in cognitive awareness of deficits promoted by the intervention structure. Conclusion: Implementation of a gaming intervention using the Xbox Kinect is feasible for reducing fall risk, maintaining function and improving cognitive awareness when used in an outpatient setting. Implications for Rehabilitation Progressive Supranuclear Palsy is a rare and rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disease wherethere is a lack of long-term rehabilitation options to help slow their rapid progressions. Our case demonstrates the feasibility of an intervention using a virtual gaming system to helpmaintain functional mobility, balance and independence for an individual with PSP. Collaborative interactions between game companies and physical therapists will improve theability of virtual games to address rehabilitation goals within neurodegenerative populations.

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