Physio and the Nintendo Wii?

[zrinzo200]

Hi, Im relatively new to the forum but I was wondering whether anyone has actually used or ever thought of using the Wii as a means or way of physiotherapy treatment. I'm very interested to hear your opinions and ideas especially from those of you who may actually use it.

It may still be a video game but research shows it is an active way of entertainment for those couch potatoes. What struck me most however is the effect it may have on the physically impaired who may not be able to start a sport or are reluctant to try but with the help of the Wii are actually likely to become active and get a piece out of the real thing from the comfort and security of their homes.

I think it would be interesting if some feedback or thoughts are made available.

Regards.

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[jamckenn]

I am doing a group research project on the use of the Wii Fit game with stroke patients for cardiovascular re-training. It is a pilot study just getting started, but I am excited to see the outcome!! I also know of a group researching the use of Wii Sport for balance re-training in stroke patients. I'll keep you updated on the results

[zrinzo200]

Hey thanks, would greatly appreciate it if you could keep us updated on the results. I'm hoping to find some positive results with Wii-habilitation.

Are you already carrying out the study on some stroke patients?

Hope everything goes well.

Regards.

[wiifitguy]

Hi there.

I run Wii Fit Forum (wiifitforum dot org) and I've covered a number of stories of people using Wii Fit in various types of therapy. I was going to post direct links, but the spam protection is stopping me ).

I'll be really interested to see how jamckenn's research goes. I think the Wii Fit has great scope to help, especially as it is comparatively cheap and because it can make things fun which must help, especially with children.

Paul

[jshaffer]

We have actually done a study comparing therapists' perceptions of incorporating the Wii into their therapy sessions, and based on that data, are currently designing another study which will compare two groups of outpatients - one that receives "regular" therapy, and the other that will receive "regular therapy plus Wii".

[wiifitguy]

jshaffer, have you published your results anywhere that we could read them? I'd be very interested in any evidence either way. Using the Wii and Wii Fit seems like a good idea for many people, but it would be good to see some hard facts.

Paul (wiifitforum.org)

[SagarNaik]

jshaffer, have you published your results anywhere that we could read them? I'd be very interested in any evidence either way. Using the Wii and Wii Fit seems like a good idea for many people, but it would be good to see some hard facts.

Paul (wiifitforum.org)

Title: Virtual Rehabilitation with video games: A new frontier for Occupational Therapy.

These would be easy and simple read for understanding of how Wii is used for rehabilitation purposes.

Link: http://www.caot.ca/otnow/jan%2008/virtual.pdf

Hope this would be helpful.

Sagar
Website: Physio4all | is an ANGEL at work...
Physical Therapy Protocols - A Guide to SUCCESS...

[wiifitguy]

Fantastic, thanks for that. I'll take a good look at that. I'm going to start specifically covering the physio use of Wii Fit over at WiiFitForum dot org over the next few months. There seems to be a lot of activity in the field.

[jshaffer]

Take a look at the article on page 12 of the attachment.

Unfortunately, our study was done before the Wii Fit went to market.

[wiifitguy]

Thanks for those documents guys. I shall be keeping an eye on developments.

[zrinzo200]

Thanks guys for all the updates, things are looking good and I hope more people can contribute to this topic as it's getting pretty interesting.

[wiifitguy]

Thanks for all that, I'm going to create a section on Wii Fit Forum dedicated to all the stories of people using the Wii, Wii Fit and other active gaming systems in healthcare and therapy. I'll post a link to it once I've set it up.

[wiifitguy]

Hi folks, I've rearranged my site and created a whole new category just for healthcare and therapy stories involving the Wii or other active gaming systems: Wii Fit Forum -Helthcare

I've also posted a few more stories up, including one about Seacroft Hospital in Leeds (UK) using Wii Fit to help amputees learn to use their prosthetics.

[glawson]

Hi
Thanks for the interesting articles.

I have my own post in the general discussion, Im interested in hearing other therapists experiences of the wii.

Thanks