Feasibility of Combining Physical Therapy with Exergames for Patients with Subacute Stroke:

An ABA Single-case Design

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of physical therapy combined with an exergame (EG) called Ring Fit Adventure (RFA; Nintendo) in a patient with subacute stroke.

Methods: An ABA single-case design was implemented for a male patient in his 80s who had a subacute cerebral infarction, with each period lasting 2 weeks. The A phase was the baseline period, which included 1 h of regular physical therapy per session, while the B phase included 1 h of EG training with RFA and regular physical therapy per session. Psychological measures were assessed using the physical activity enjoyment scale, while cognitive measures were assessed using reaction time and the stroop color–word interference test. Additionally, physical measures were assessed using the 30-second chair stand test, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and timed up-and-go test.

Results: The BBS showed improvement in all phases, with the greatest improvement observed during the B phase.

Conclusion: The effectiveness of conventional physical therapy may be promoted by combining it with EG using RFA in patients with subacute stroke for improving balance.