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Aim: To analyse the efficacy of Nintendo Wii therapy (NWT) on functional balance in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Method: A systematic review with meta‐analysis (PROSPERO identification number CRD42020169510) was performed using randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that examined the effect of NWT on functional, dynamic, and static balance in children with CP, assessed with the Pediatric Balance Scale, the Timed Get Up and Go Test, and the One Leg Stance Test respectively. The pooled effect was calculated using the Cohen's standardized mean difference (SMD). Results: Eleven RCTs with 270 children (when sex was reported: 43% females, 57% males) with CP (mean age [SD] 10y 1mo [1y 1mo], range 5–16y) were included. On functional balance, we found very low‐quality evidence with a large effect of NWT compared with no intervention (SMD 0.95, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.02–1.89) and moderate‐quality evidence for using NWT plus conventional physical therapy (CPT) versus CPT (SMD 0.78, 95% CI 0.20–1.35) in sessions of approximately 30 minutes (SMD 0.86, 95% CI 0.20–1.52) and interventions lasting longer than 3 weeks (SMD 1.03, 95% CI 0.58–1.47). For dynamic balance, very low‐quality evidence for a medium effect for using NWT plus CPT versus CPT (SMD 0.70, 95% CI 0.12–1.29) was found. Interpretation: NWT can be considered an effective treatment for improving functional and dynamic balance in children with CP, especially when combined with CPT in 30‐minute sessions with interventions lasting longer than 3 weeks. What this paper addsModerate‐quality evidence with a large effect of Nintendo Wii therapy (NWT) on functional balance, compared with conventional physical therapy (CPT).Moderate‐quality evidence with medium effect of NWT plus CPT on functional and dynamic balance, compared with CPT.Appropriate NWT sessions should be equal to or slightly less than 30 minutes.NWT interventions must be longer than 3 weeks. What this paper adds: Moderate‐quality evidence with a large effect of Nintendo Wii therapy (NWT) on functional balance, compared with conventional physical therapy (CPT).Moderate‐quality evidence with medium effect of NWT plus CPT on functional and dynamic balance, compared with CPT.Appropriate NWT sessions should be equal to or slightly less than 30 minutes.NWT interventions must be longer than 3 weeks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: the main objective was to analyze the effects that an exercise programme based on the Pilates method would have on balance confidence, fear of falling, and postural control among women ≥60 years old. Methods: a total of 110 women (69.15 ± 8.94 years) participated in this randomized, controlled trial that took place in Jaén (Spain). The participants were randomly assigned to either a control group (n = 55), which received no intervention, or to a Pilates group (n = 55), which carried out an exercise programme based on the Pilates method in 60-minute sessions for 12 weeks. The Falls Efficacy Scale-International and the activity-specific balance confidence scale were respectively used to assess fear of falling and balance confidence in performing activities of daily living. Postural control was evaluated using a stabilometric platform. Results: Regarding balance confidence, the Pilates group showed higher values compared to the control group (77.52 ± 18.27 vs 72.35 ± 16.39, Cohen's d = 0.030). Women in the Pilates group showed lower fear of falling, compared to those of the control group (22.07 ± 5.73 vs 27.9 ± 6.95, Cohen's d = 0.041). Finally, concerning static balance, participants of the Pilates group experienced statistically significant improvements on the velocity and anteroposterior movements of the centre of pressure with eyes open and closed respectively (Cohen's d = 0.44 and 0.35 respectively). Conclusion: A 12-week Pilates training programme has beneficial effects on balance confidence, fear of falling and postural stability, in elderly women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]