EFFECTS OF TRAINING WITH NINTENDO WII® COMBINED WITH CONVENTIONAL TRAINING ON UPPER LIMB PERFORMANCE AND COGNITION IN PATIENTS WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
Multiple Sclerosis; Upper limb; virtual reality
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic and autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS) characterized by an inflammatory reaction that affects the myelin sheath. Although its etiology is not completely established, it is known that environmental, genetic and epigenetic factors influence its causality when they interact with modifiable risk factors. Exergames are potentially potent instruments for the rehabilitation of patients with MS. It is a resource that makes it possible to work concomitantly on cognitive domains and upper limb functions, in an interactive and motivating way. Objective: To compare the effects of training using VR intervention through the Nintendo Wii® video game associated with conventional training versus isolated conventional training, on dexterity, strength and upper limb function, cognition, quality of life and fatigue in patients with EM. Materials and methods: Randomized clinical trial, with two groups. Experimental group that will perform the training with exergame using Nintendo Wii® associated with a conventional training versus control group that will only do the conventional training. Both groups will participate in 16 individual sessions and in the presence of the therapist/trainer. Three evaluation moments are established: before the beginning of the intervention (baseline), a second moment within seven days after the end of the training period, and the third moment four weeks after the end of the intervention. the revaluations will be carried out with the same instruments that will be part of the initial evaluation. Considering upper limb dexterity as the primary outcome, the Nine Hole Peg Test (NHPT) instrument was used. Individuals between 18 and 40 years old, with a confirmed diagnosis of multiple sclerosus according to McDonald's criteria, will be eligible. Expected results: it is expected that the experimental group will obtain a statistically greater improvement than the control group, since it will be enhanced by the use of technology.