The Wii balance board can be used to strengthen patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and reduce their risk of accidental falls.

A study published in the journal "Radiology" by a research team led by Dr. Luca Prosperini found the gaming platform creates shifts in balance and brain movement in MS patients

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Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune illness in which the body's immune system attacks the sheath that protects nerve fibers.  Individuals with MS usually experience autonomic, motor, visual and sensory difficulties.

The cause and cure for the disease is currently unknown.

Over the course of 12 weeks, 27 MS patients and 15 healthy individuals were studied in the research.

Using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique called diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), scientists were able to see the changes that occurred in the brain while the participants used the Wii balance board.

The Wii balance board requires users to shift their weight back and forth in order to balance and move while playing a video game.

Although previous studies have proven the balance board is effective as a rehabilitation tool, this recent study is the first to explore what happens on a physiological level during balancing.

Through the scans, scientists discovered vital changes in the nerve tracts responsible for balance and movement. Neural plasticity or the brain's capability to adapt for efficacy's sake allowed patients to strengthen their ability to balance and, therefore, lessen their risk of falling.

"The most important finding in this study is that a task-oriented and repetitive training aimed at managing a specific symptom is highly effective and induces brain plasticity," said Dr. Prosperini.

"More specifically, the improvements promoted by the Wii balance board can reduce the risk of accidental falls in patients with MS, thereby reducing the risk of fall-related comorbidities like trauma and fractures."

Researchers found, however, that the Wii balance board training should be continuous. Once training stopped, improvements disappeared.

Dr. Prosperini also said MS patients should only use the Wii gaming tool under strict supervision.

Aside from the Wii balance board, some patients also opt for electrical muscle stimulation in order to control their muscles.