Wii-Habilitation
Now available at our Hill Country Galleria/ Lakeway clinic.
The Nintendo Wii is an effective and fun rehabilitation tool that is now being used in numerous hospitals and physical therapy clinics throughout the world. Call us today to find out how our experienced therapists are able to incorporate the Wii into a physical therapy program personally designed to meet your individual needs.
Please click on the links below for current Wii-Habilitation articles.
- Nintendo's Wii finds use in physical therapy
- Doctors use Wii games for rehab therapy
- Wii Fit Nintendo game makes physical therapy fun
- Wii for Physical Rehabilitation
Wii for Physical Rehabilitation
LA Health
Published:
4/14/2009
Wii fit games are the hottest rage. Recently we reported on the injuries they may cause, but they have an upside in addition to their fun. They may help physical rehabilitation, Dr. Bruce Hensel reported.
"The injuries only occur when used without care or through pain. When used properly you can avoid injury. The game may actually help people with certain medical conditions," Dr. Hensel said.
Donald Pitch is determined to stick with stroke rehabilitation even nine years later.
"It's encouraging in one breath, and discouraging in another, cause I reach a plateau and I can't go past there," Pitch said.
His goal is to get back on the golf course, so Donald's rehab is focusing on balance using traditional therapy with a high-tech twist.
Dr. Robert Brunner uses the Wii fit games to help patients like Donald: "The nice thing about the Wii™, the technology allows of lot of things to be designed that, that we can use to facilitate the improvement."
The Wii Fit games engage patients in a personal competition… all the while repeating motions used in rehab.
"You can do something with the Wii that is fun. You're kind of doing the same movements with it. It keeps a score. You can see your progress getting better," Dr. Brunner said.
As with all rehab, sticking with the program helps the brain re-wire, even years after a stroke or injury.
"When the brain is focused in that area, that often times it can get much better, reorganize it and recognize that side," Dr. Brunner said.
The future of "Wii hab" may include games designed specifically for therapy.
"You know, you'll have a, a wii rehabilitation maybe, a specifically programmable set with, you know, different aspects that you want to accomplish, but that's the future," Dr. Brunner said.
For now, Donald's Wii rehab is helping him tee-up and set his sites on the driving range.
"I did pretty well. I was afraid that i would lose my balance, but i held it pretty well," Dr. Brunner said.
"In addition to getting benefits from the games at a rehab, the system is affordable enough for many to purchase the device and accessories and continue the therapy at home. Ask your doctor if it's right for you," Dr. Hensel said.
