Wii could help older Aussies

Southern Cross University researchers are investigating whether interactive computer games enhance the strength and increase the fitness of older Australians.

Academics from the School of Health and Human Sciences will run a pilot study using a Nintendo Wii games console to focus on strength and balance exercises to prevent falls and strengthen the lower limbs in older adults.

“There are a number of active Wii games that we can use with our participants to see whether it can help them physically,” principal research, Dr Suzanne Broadbent, said.

“There are some great balance and coordination games such as Table Tilt, Tightrope Walk, Penguin Slide and Ski Slalom, which improve weight transfer, lower leg strength, balance and hand-eye coordination, plus they are a lot of fun.

“For many older Australians exercise becomes a chore at a time of life when it so beneficial. Building up strength and fitness can help to avoid a fall as someone becomes older,” Dr Broadbent said.

It is estimated that more than 250,000 older people fall each year, some multiple times.

“A study in 2006-07 showed that there were 143,000 medically treated fall-related injuries among older people which resulted in lifetime treatments costs of more than $500 million.”

The researchers are now looking for volunteers aged 60 years and over to participate in the study.

“We are seeking volunteers who don’t do a lot of exercise already, especially falls prevention strength training,” Dr Broadbent said.

The project will run in two, 12 week blocks. Volunteers will need to commit to exercise sessions with the Wii three days per week and the exercise sessions will be 30 to 40 minutes in duration.

“All of the exercise sessions will be run at the University’s Lismore campus. We will conduct some baseline strength and balance tests before and after the study,” Dr Broadbent said.

For more information, or to participate in the study, contact Dr Suzanne Broadbent on (02) 6620 3394.