Intensive strength and balance training with the Kinect console (Xbox 360) in a patient with CMT1A

• Published in: Developmental Neurorehabilitation Vol. 21; no. 8; pp. 542 - 545
• Main Authors: Pagliano, Emanuela, Foscan, Maria, Marchi, Alessia, Corlatti, Alice, Aprile, Giorgia, Riva, Daria
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis 17.11.2018
• Subjects: Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease; childhood; rehabilitation; strength training; videogame-directed exercises
• ISSN: 1751-8423; 1751-8431
• DOI: 10.1080/17518423.2017.1354091

Background: Effective drugs for type 1A Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT1A) disease are not available. Various forms of moderate exercise are beneficial, but few data are available on the effectiveness of exercise in CMT1A children. Aim: To investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of exercises to improve ankle strength and limb function in a child with CMT1A. Setting: Outpatient clinic. Population: Nine-year-old boy with CMT1A. Methods: The rehabilitation program consisted of ankle exercises and Kinect videogame-directed physical activities (using an Xbox 360 console/movement sensor) that aimed to improve balance and limb strength. The program was given 3 times a week for 5 weeks. The child was assessed at baseline, after 5 weeks, and 3 and 6 months after. Results: By the end of follow-up, child balance and endurance had improved, but ankle strength did not. Conclusions: The encouraging results for balance and endurance justify further studies on videogame-directed activities in CMT1A children/adolescents.