Nintendo Wii Adopted By Physical Therapists for Patients
Despite all the stories that claim video games are corrupting our children, plenty of good news regarding video games is also surfacing lately, much of due to Nintendo's charge to expand its market to non gamers. This was spurred on by the success of games like 'Brain Age' among senior citizens, and now the Wii is finding even more success in strange places, like physical therapy offices.
Some therapists are now using the device as a fun prescription, a means to force patients to focus on things like balance and coordination and do so in a confined space. The bowling game in 'Wii Sports,' for example, requires good timing and some reasonably precise movements, and, best of all, can be played without swinging a real bowling ball around.
The Wii Balance Board, coming to the U.S. sometime next year, should make the console even more attractive, allowing the Wii to chart gamers' balance as they perform simple calisthenics, simulate ski jumps, and play silly games that involve leaning.
Now if only if were actually possible to buy one of the things before Christmas.
From Reuters
Related Links:
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
eolson @ Dec 30th 2007 10:47PM
I am a parent of an adult child who has been paralyzed for 10 years. She is 23. WII has been a powerful tool to work up a sweat in a SCI person. It is the first tool that has motivated her to be back is a somewhat competitive way as she was a top athlete before her injury. WII should definitely be used for recovery in SCI patients, cancer, burn victims, and all those recovering. It might just give them the incentive they need for recovery.
tammy @ Feb 14th 2008 10:11PM
when is the wii fit comming to the united states have been asking everyone and anyone and no one seems to know also was told you could play against somoene that lives in a nother state how do can you do that
tammy @ Feb 14th 2008 10:12PM
when will the wii be comming to the united states