Playing video games hasn't
always been seen as a healthy activity. But since the release of the
Wii gaming system by Nintendo in November 2006, views have changed.
Players are now able to be physically active in these virtual reality
games, using what some physical therapists now recognize as beneficial
repetitive motion. Exercise.
At Aspen Rehabilitation in Coral
Springs, FL, patients are now playing Wii games as part of their
rehabilitation routines! Introduced to the rehabilitation clinic
recently, "Wii-Hab" enables patients to work on their balance, and
strengthening while engaging in Wii-Hab. The most popular games played
at Aspen Rehab are the sports games. Wii Sports include tennis,
baseball, golf, bowling and boxing.
The Wii gaming system is
used as part of the physical therapy routines for patients recovering
from illnesses, strokes, Parkinson's, accidents and combat injuries.
Patients are using the unique, motion-sensitive game controller to play
games to build arm strength and enhance their reflexes and hand-eye
coordination.
Aspen Rehabilitation's Wii-Hab approach to therapy
is being used with patients of all ages. It may appear as a form of
entertainment to patients, but it's helping them redevelop the
coordination to relearn daily living skills.
