Interactive gaming consoles reduced pain during acute minor burn rehabilitation: A randomized, pilot trial.

Abstract

Interactive gaming consoles (IGCs) have been used successfully in rehabilitation settings as an adjunct to conventional exercise for restoring or maintaining active function and augmenting pharmacological analgesia. The objective of this pilot study was to assess if adjunctive use of the Nintendo Wii IGC was of benefit to acute burn patients. This was a randomized, controlled trial. The intervention group received routine rehabilitation in addition to up to 5 days of twice daily, 20-30 min of exercise using the Nintendo Wii IGC. The control group received routine rehabilitation exercise therapy. A total of 22 subjects were recruited and randomized by location of burn to intervention and control groups. Pain scores were significantly improved in the intervention group (r(2)=1.18; 95%CI -0.584 to -0.298, p=0.019) as indicated by a 17% greater drop in the pre-post-study pain compared to controls. Fear avoidance and ROM measurements were not statistically different between the groups. The Nintendo Wii IGC was associated with a greater reduction in pain, particularly in those with higher levels of pain at baseline.