When Nintendo introduced the Wii in late 2006, a new generation of “gamers” was created. No longer are kids tethered to the TV – revolutionizing the game playing experience through the use of wireless handheld remotes. The remote creates a 3D experience in which a physical motion or movement of the Wii creates a response on the screen. Bowling requires you to swing your arms, baseball and golf require the appropriate movements...and tennis, well, tennis can be downright exhausting.
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While kids are begging their parents to buy them Nintendo’s Wii, this video game is taking on a whole new life in the hands of those being rehabilitated at the Jewish Home.
JHR purchased the Wii in August before the holiday sellout craze for use in our Rehabilitation Department, under the direction of Maryann Adams. The Wii has been a real hit with helping people build muscle strength again. Recently, a family donated a 60 inch TV, and the results are amazing. We are looking to purchase a second Wii for the Recreation Department to enjoy such games as Jeopardy, Karaoke, and other group games.
“Quite often,” Maryann explains, “it is difficult to engage patients during a treatment session.” With Wii, their interest is captured because it looks like fun instead of work. Therapists guide patients through golf swings, rolling bowling balls down a lane, or hitting baseballs to help them regain movement or teach their brain the right way to respond.
“We work on hand-eye coordination and balance. This can be done by patients while they are sitting or standing. As they improve, we make the activity harder and they stand,” explained Adams. “We also work on upper and lower body strength.”
“Speech therapists also use the program to address cognitive deficits, such as problem solving; short and long-term memory impairment, and poor decision making,” she said. Each resident that enters JHR is evaluated by physical, occupational, and/or speech therapists. If skilled rehab is indicated, a treatment plan is developed. The goal is to have the resident discharged at the highest level of independence.”
There seems to be an unlimited future for Wii as a rehab tool. It is even being used by Army therapists to help injured soldiers regain strength in Landstuhl, Germany. In addition, said Adams, “Wii may prove most effective when a patient is discharged and a home exercise program is recommended. The console sells for about $250 and the patient continues rehab at home.”