Can Physiotherapy Computer Games be Beneficial to Therapists?

[Fyzzio]

My answers:

1) I disagree; but as to your question: yes (who would say 'no'???)
2) To have enough time for assessment, analysis and documentation in the first session.
3) Diaries, calendars, phone reminders, communication devices, treadmills/ exercycles etc., Wii, X-Box
4) yes
5) sometimes; but it could be a hindrance more than a benefit
6) yes
7) Me??? Absolutely not a single cent. Encouraging compliance and encouraging patients to become major leaders in their own rehab is part of a Physio programme. I would prefer to find out why their compliance is poor and change the programme, rather than accept under adherance and let them play a game, which in any case will be far less specific than an individualised exercise programme can ever be.

And a comment to your questions: you might want to ask the Physios that answer to questions in what kind of area within Physio and in what environment they work. As this will influence their responses.

Good luck,
Fyzzio

[MegaFutureGames]

Thank you Fyzzio for your helpful feedback.

To reply to some of the points you made:

1) You disagreed that most patients under adhere to their exercises. According to my research this is true, but I have been looking at long-term conditions such as Parkinson's Disease. According to groups such as Parkinson's UK about 70% of people living with this condition under adhere. Perhaps I wasn't specific enough or I generalized too much. I will look more into more common conditions as well.

5) Can you please elaborate? In which way might it be more of a hindrance?

7) Again, I may have not been specific enough in my description. Should you find that the poor compliance is due to lack of motivation or a dislike of the repetition. Speaking from personal experience I have not performed all my physiotherapy when I was younger as I found it to be very repetitive and I disliked to take time out to do it. If this was the case with a patient and they expressed an interest in playing a game as part of their exercises, would you then consider prescribing this service?


Thanks again for your help. It is much appreciated.

-Mega Future Games