Wii Used for Physical Therapy

October 2nd, 2007 Posted in Offbeat, Wii

lg It appears more use of the Wii is rising out from the ashes. According to WCCO, physical therapists at Minneapolis-based Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute have begun using the Ninty console and the included Wii Sports game in the rehabilitation of sports victims.

“We are using the Nintendo Wii system as a way to practice re-learning movements we used to know how to do and we know the brain can make changes if we can give it lots and lots of practice,” explained occupational therapist Matthew White.

It apparently works. Jerry Pope, a 77-year old semi-pro tennis player, following his stroke in June, has been using the Wii Tennis activity of the game to help regain movement in his hands and feet, along with his balance. “Not only am I moving the hand, my feet are moving, I am jumping around, it is as if I am really playing the game,” he said. “It is motivational, makes you feel like you are progressing, even if you are not and that helps you.”

One Response to “Wii Used for Physical Therapy”

  1. www.toparomatherapysecrets.info » Wii Used for Physical Therapy Says:

    [...] Rajiv Ashrafi wrote a fantastic post today on “Wii Used for Physical Therapy”Here’s ONLY a quick extractAccording to WCCO, physical therapists at Minneapolis-based Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute have begun using the Ninty console and the included Wii Sports game in the rehabilitation of sports victims. … [...]



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