Article

Little is known of Motion-Controlled Video Games (MCVGs) as an
intervention for people with chronic pain. The aim of this study was to explore
the experience women with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) had, using commercially
available MCVGs; and to investigate indicators of symptom severity and
performance of activities of daily living (ADL). METHOD: Of 15 female
participants diagnosed with FMS, 7 completed a program of five sessions with
Nintendo Wii (Wii), five sessions with PlayStation 3 Move (PS3 Move) and five
sessions with Microsoft Xbox Kinect (Xbox Kinect). Interviews were conducted at
baseline and post-intervention and were supported by data from observation and
self-reported assessment. RESULTS: Participants experienced play with MCVGs as a
way to get distraction from pain symptoms while doing fun and manageable
exercise. They enjoyed the slow pace and familiarity of Wii, while some
considered PS3 Move to be too fast paced. Xbox Kinect was reported as the best
console for exercise. There were no indication of general improvement in symptom
severity or performance of ADL. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated MCVG as an
effective healthcare intervention for the women with FMS who completed the
program, with regards to temporary pain relief and enjoyable low impact exercise.
Implications for Rehabilitation Exercise is recommended in the management of
fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). People with FMS often find it counterintuitive to
exercise because of pain exacerbation, which may influence adherence to an
exercise program. Motion-controlled video games may offer temporary pain relief
and fun low impact exercise for women with FMS.

Langue : ANGLAIS