Wii Goes to Rehab
According to a recent news article, the Wii is serving as more than just family entertainment. The popular console is also being used in rehab therapy for patients recovering from physical injuries and surgery.
The usual stretching and lifting exercises that help the sick or injured regain strength can be painful, repetitive and downright boring.
In fact, many patients say PT — physical therapy’s nickname — really stands for “pain and torture,” said James Osborn, who oversees rehabilitation services at Herrin Hospital in southern Illinois.
Using the game console’s unique, motion-sensitive controller, Wii games require body movements similar to traditional therapy exercises. But patients become so engrossed mentally they’re almost oblivious to the rigor, Osborn said.
“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 Osborn of Southern Illinois Healthcare, which includes the hospital in Herrin.
That’s pretty cool. I’m sure that this form of physical therapy hasn’t yet spread world wide but I think if it proves successful it might catch on. I mean if you’re going to be in pain you might as well have some kind of score count to go with it.
Via | AJC
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