Video game improves balance in
youth with autism
November 21, 2017 | Adityarup “Rup” Chakravorty | University of Wisconsin-Madison News
According to the research conducted by the University of Wisconsin-Madison, playing video games that involve striking and holding various static poses can help children with autism improve their balance and posture. People on the spectrum experience problems with balance more often than other individuals. In fact, challenges with postural stability often point to a more severe condition that negatively impacts their everyday life. Researchers believe that a video game helping autistic individuals master their balance control techniques can become a powerful tool for dealing with this issue. Studies show that balance-training video games help improve balance and posture not only during the game, but also for a lasting period of time. The significant effect of this video game depends on the fact
that players get rewarded for doing all the required poses and thus advance in the game. The developers of the game claim that their priority was to make users have fun while playing the game. The video game system is using Microsoft Kinect camera, Nintendo Wii balance board connected to a software via Adobe Air.
However, this game is not a universal tool, it requires an individual approach. Some types of individuals on the spectrum may benefit more from this therapy than others. Nevertheless, researchers are working to make this game useful for a wide range of autistic users, both verbal and nonverbal.
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