New game being used for rehab therapy in injuries
A new therapy has become popular among a number of doctors and physical therapists, it’s dubbed, “Wiihabilitation” and it’s fast becoming a therapy for patients recovering from strokes, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and surgery and combat injuries. The typical stretching and lifting exercises are being supplemented with the popular Nintendo Wii video game system. Using the Wii’s unique, motion-sensitive controller, the games require body movements similar to traditional therapy exercises. A positive aspect of game use is that patients become so engrossed mentally they're oblivious to the rigor, according to James Osborn who oversees rehabilitation services at Herrin Hospital in southern Illinois. "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. "When people can refocus their attention from the tediousness of the physical task, oftentimes they do much better," Osborn said. The Hines Veterans Affairs Hospital west of Chicago recently bought a Wii system for its spinal cord injury unit. Pfc. Matthew Turpen, 22, paralyzed from the chest down while stationed in Germany, plays Wii golf and bowling from his wheelchair at Hines. He says the games help beat the monotony of rehab and seem to be doing his body good, too. "A lot of guys don't have full finger function so it definitely helps being able to work on using your fingers more and figuring out different ways to use your hands" and arms, Turpen said. It's proved useful in occupational therapy, which helps patients relearn daily living skills including brushing teeth, combing hair and buttoning clothes. Nintendo Co. does not market Wii as a rehabilitative tool, but is pleased that the game assists injured users to rehabilitate from their injuries.
