The effect of Nintendo Wii on hand function in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy: a systematic review

Abstract

Abstract

Objective: This review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the Nintendo Wii treatment approach in improving hand function in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy. Methods: A comprehensive search was carried out through the PEDro, CINAHL, MEDLINE via Ovid, Cochrane, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases. The search criteria were all experimental study designs that used Nintendo Wii as a treatment approach with hemiplegic cerebral palsy participants. The quality of the included studies was assessed by one reviewer using the Effective public health practice project tool. Results: Five studies were eligible for review. Three studies scored strongly and 2 scored weakly based on the Effective public health practice project assessment tool. Conclusions: The evidence of Nintendo Wii interventions affecting hand function in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy was inconclusive. Nintendo Wii seems to be useful as a supplement to intervention for children. However, further high-level evidence is required.