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Wii-hab
Nintendo's Wii, the computer gaming system that offers a virtual reality experience with a wave of its magic wand, is currently working some magic of its own in rehabilitation centers throughout the country.
When Ashley Rose suffered a debilitating shoulder injury, the 18-year-old softball player understood she would be facing months of physical therapy and rehabilitation. She just didn't know it would be so much fun.
"It has been an entertaining way to do rehab, that's for sure," said Rose. "But it's also been helpful. I've noticed a big difference since I've been using the Wii. It's worked really well for me."
Wii-hab, sometimes called Wii-therapy, is an increasingly popular tool among physical therapists, who employ the user-friendly entertainment technology as a successful means of rehabilitation at the clinic and at home.
Positive results
The benefits of the Wii are obvious for patients such as Rose, but gaming can aid patients recovering from other ailments as well. While scientists have not conducted any large-scale research on the subject, there is some evidence to show that the Wii may help with rehabilitation in a variety of ways.
Stroke patients using the Wii have regained motor skills. Elderly people have used it to help prevent falls. People with Parkinson's found the Wii useful in improving their rigidity, movement, energy, and depression levels. And veterans have used it to recover from the physical injuries and emotional stress of combat.
"So far, we have seen very positive results with this," said Robert Walters, physical therapy supervisor at John Muir Health. "The benefits for the patients are of course physical, but they're also motivational. It makes rehab a little more fun and a little less boring, which makes people more interested in doing it."
Wii Fit
One way patients accomplish rehabilitation is with the Wii Fit. The Wii Fit balance board is a plastic motion detector that translates a person's real-time movements onto the screen, whether it's yoga, aerobics, muscle stretches, or Pilates.
The pressure-sensitive board allows participants to affect the game's outcome by changing their balance, position, and step. Users get to see where their lines of gravity and balance are centered.
Renewed confidence
And for the older generation in particular, said Walters, the Wii helps build a sense of self-esteem and confidence.
"There are many seniors who at one time may have enjoyed, say, tennis or bowling," he said. "This is an opportunity to still enjoy those sports on a lighter scale and with a little more privacy."
In light of Wii's success as a physical therapy tool, can insurance coverage for at-home Wii therapy be far behind?
"Good question," said Walters. "I haven't heard of anyone asking for that yet, but it might eventually. It would be nice."
(Posted June 11, 2010)