Can The Nintendo Wii(tm) Sports Game System Be Effectively Utilized In The Nursing Home Environment: A Feasibility Study?

Abstract

This mixed-method study examined the feasibility and potential benefits of five weeks of Nintendo Wii Sports^TM (NWS) play for 11 nursing home residents. Nursing home staff and residents suggested that the NWS is feasible in the nursing home context and that it has psychosocial benefits. While no significant changes in dynamic stability, health-related quality of life (QOL) or fear of falling were observed (p = 0.185-0.841), a moderate effect size for physical health-related QOL was found. Randomized controlled trials involving larger samples and more outcome measures appear required to determine the possible benefits of the NWS for nursing home residents.