Posted on 02/09/2008 5:31:40 PM PST by ShadowDancer
Hospitals Turn To Wii For Rehab Therapy
'Wiihabilitation' Growing More Popular Among Doctors
POSTED: 11:07 am EST February 9, 2008
CHICAGO -- It could be called "Wiihabilitation."
Nintendo's Wii video game system is now gaining popularity in hospitals and medical centers, which are using the system as part of physical therapy programs for patients.
While traditional physical therapy can be painful, repetitive and boring, hospital officials said playing Wii is more fun for patients, to the point that some almost forget they're in therapy.
The system's motion-sensitive controller requires body movements similar to traditional exercises, but officials said the game format makes patients less focused on the movement and more focused on winning.
"In the Wii system, because it's kind of a game format, it does create this kind of inner competitiveness. Even though you may be boxing or playing tennis against some figure on the screen, it's amazing how many of our patients want to beat their opponent," said James Osborn of Southern Illinois Healthcare, which bought a Wii system for rehab patients late last year.
Several other hospitals across the nation have also bought the system, including the Hines Veterans Affairs Hospital west of Chicago and Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
The most popular Wii games for rehab involve sports, like baseball, bowling, boxing, golf and tennis. Therapists said patients are entertained while improving endurance, strength and coordination.
The therapy has been used on children as well as senior citizens. One patient said learning how to play Wii now gives him something to do with his grandchildren.
At least one researcher hopes to put the games to a real test.
Lars Oddsson, director of the Sister Kenny Research Center at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, is working with the University of Minnesota to design a study to measure how effective the Wii is for rehab.
"You can certainly make a case that some form of endurance related to strength and flexibility and balance and cardio would be challenged when you play the Wii," but hard scientific proof is needed to prove it, Oddsson said.
Now they just have to get Guitar Hero 3 into Betty Ford for all the addicted Rock Stars in detox......
As someone who owns the game console, it is a fun workout. Have the Japanese/USA version (unlocked system) which plays ALL the games.
I’ve never been into video games, even when I was young and Atari first came out. I have two kids and they have Game Boys and DS’s but no consoles. Gotta say though, if I had the money, I would totally get a Wii.
What do you mean?
Some games made in Asia are not able to play on the US models. The systems are locked for the respective regions.
Sony does the same.
I purchased my system in asia. The upside is I also bought about 40 games at 2.00 US. What a deal.
I started out with the atari. Skipped many systems until PS came out. Bought it and replaced it later with the PS2.
The Wii was interesting because of the active participation. Sort of get a workout and feel less guilty playing it because of its participation.
Hopefully with prices dropping in the near future, it will be affordable for all budgets.
A friend injured his knee playing Wii, He’s now getting physical therapy.
Video games never “clicked” for me, either (oh, I’ve played Tetris a few times, so I’m up to date and hip). I see stuff advertized (usually depictions of cartoon game characters carrying huge, ergonomically impossible weapons) and I just shrug and say, “whatever.” I guess it is a generational thing. People ten years younger than me see virtual reality as an everyday thing and they are “connected” to something all the time. I certainly use technology but there are times (most of the time) I want to be dis-connected. If this new Wii thing has a practical use, great. But I think I am too old. If I went into a store and said, “I wanna Wii,” they would take one look at me and direct me to the restroom. Just as well. I am just able to manage real reality without the added burden of a virtual reality.
I believe it.
I pulled something in my upper leg, hamstring?, bowling last June on a Wii.
Still bothers me! ( high game was 235 so it was worth it.)
You’d be surprised.
I saw a TV report last week of retirement homes with Wii’s and the folks having a ball.
I don’t own one but might get one. The bowling game is fun.
The hand control lets you manipulate the ball just like the real thing. Slow, fast, hook, etc.
I just read a magazine article about one of these serial killer video games and it is now available in the Wii format. So now kids will learn all the moves to torture someone and chop someone’s head off. Just what we need, yuck. They can’t just sell harmless fun like bowling, tennis or whatever. No, the video game makers have to appeal to the all-important serial killer demographic. I am not dissing you about your Wii bowling game. I am just really worried that video games are being put to more and more destructive uses. People aren’t just supposed to have fun. It is all about killing, which evidently brings in the big money.
I love my Wii! I’m looking forward to the US release of WiiFit! It looks like a fun way to add a new element to a home gym and work out routine.
Thanks, so it is the same as DVDs and software: region encoding.
Exactly.
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