Usually when you think video games you think about the bad publicity they get in the media, being blamed for inciting violence. How about video games as the latest treatment techniques being used by Physical Therapist? At first I didn't believe it either and then I came across News Stories, reporting on the Wii as the newest treatment used in rehabbing patients. WakeMed Cary Hospital in Raleigh North Carolina is using this as a treatment for patients and the game system treatment is proving to be beneficial in the treating of patients.
"…...Though it may seem like fun and games, the Wii does what more traditional therapies attempt to accomplish…
"……In therapy, it allows patients to work on weight bearing and increasing coordination, increasing strength and stability, increasing fine and gross motor skills. Any of the games can be used to address problem solving, attention, short-term and long-term memory, decision making and scanning....."
Does the Nintendo game system help patients rehabilitate after injuries? After reviewing this article and hearing statements from patients I think this is a great method to gain the interest and participation of a patient and makes working with your Physical Therapist more fun. In the past these game systems were nothing but a recreational device used to pass the time. Now these games can be put to good use in helping restore people back into their daily lives after injury or illness.
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