Mii-vitaliSe: a pilot randomised controlled trial of a home gaming system (Nintendo Wii) to increase activity levels, vitality and well-being in people with multiple sclerosis.
OBJECTIVES
While the health and well-being benefits of physical activity are recognised, people with multiple sclerosis (MS) often face greater barriers than the general population. The Nintendo Wii potentially offers a fun, convenient way of overcoming some of these. The aim was to test the feasibility of conducting a definitive trial of the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of Mii-vitaliSe; a home-based, physiotherapist-supported Nintendo Wii intervention.


DESIGN
A single-centre wait-list randomised controlled study.


SETTING
MS service in secondary care.


PARTICIPANTS
Ambulatory, relatively inactive people with clinically confirmed MS.


INTERVENTION
Thirty participants were randomised to receive Mii-vitaliSe either immediately (for 12 months) or after a 6-month wait (for 6 months). Mii-vitaliSe consisted of two supervised Nintendo Wii familiarisation sessions in the hospital followed by home use (Wii Sports, Sports Resort and Fit Plus software) with physiotherapist support and personalised resources.


OUTCOMES
Included self-reported physical activity levels, quality of life, mood, self-efficacy, fatigue and assessments of balance, gait, mobility and hand dexterity at baseline, 6 and 12 months. Interviews (n=25) explored participants' experiences and, at study end, the two Mii-vitaliSe facilitators' experiences of intervention delivery (main qualitative findings reported separately).


RESULTS
Mean (SD) age was 49.3 (8.7) years, 90% female, with 47% diagnosed with MS <6 years ago and 60% new to active gaming. The recruitment rate was 31% (95% CI 20% to 44%). Outcome data were available for 29 (97%) at 6 months and 28 (93%) at 12 months. No serious adverse events were reported during the study. Qualitative data indicated that Mii-vitaliSe was well-received. Mean Wii use across both groups over the initial 6-month intervention period was twice a week for 27 min/day. Mean cost of delivering Mii-vitaliSe was £684 per person.


DISCUSSION
Mii-vitaliSe appears acceptable and a future trial feasible and warranted. These findings will inform its design.


TRIAL REGISTRATION
ISRCTN49286846.
['Thomas|Sarah|S|http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9501-9091', 'Fazakarley|Louise|L|', 'Thomas|Peter W|PW|', 'Collyer|Sarah|S|', 'Brenton|Sarah|S|', 'Perring|Steve|S|', 'Scott|Rebecca|R|', 'Thomas|Fern|F|', 'Thomas|Charlotte|C|', 'Jones|Kelly|K|', 'Hickson|Jo|J|', 'Hillier|Charles|C|']
D015444:Exercise D005081:Exercise Therapy D005221:Fatigue D005240:Feasibility Studies D006801:Humans D008875:Middle Aged D009103:Multiple Sclerosis D010865:Pilot Projects D036301:Qualitative Research D011788:Quality of Life D063127:Secondary Care D057566:Self Report D018910:Video Games
Multiple Sclerosis Physical Activity Feasibility Active Gaming Behaviour change Exercise Virtual Reality