Wii-Habilitation Comes To HAH by Mary Galer
The latest in video game technology has also become one of the newest trends in physical therapy and rehabilitation.
Just two weeks ago, Teamwork Rehab, the physical therapy department at Hillsboro Area Hospital, acquired its newest piece of equipment, a Nintendo Wii video gaming system.
“It’s definitely becoming a trend,” said Director of Rehabilitation Chris Whitten. “Several physical therapy departments and nursing homes are using them as part of their rehabilitation programs.”
What sets the Wii system apart from other gaming systems is not the games themselves, like tennis, bowling or golf, but rather the way they are played. Wii uses a wireless controller, the player uses the same arm motion as if he or she were really playing the sport, such as swinging a bat or rolling a bowling ball.
In many cases, it’s the same motion already being used in physical therapy.
“Not only does it help our patients to become more active, but they are also really enjoying it and having fun,” Whitten said.
Lloyd Whitworth, age 78, of Hillsboro, spent three to four weeks in a hospital bed recovering from back surgery, and when he first started therapy at Teamwork Rehab, he came in a wheelchair.
“They’re trying to get me back on my feet,” he said.
Whitworth started his physical therapy about a month ago, using various machines in the rehab room, doing stretching and balancing exercises, and he even worked his way up to walking around the track.
But the most fun of his exercises is his competition with Whitten at Wii bowling. In order to swing, patients must be able to step forward and stand balanced.
“I think it’s helped me get a better sense of balance,” Whitworth said. “It’s a lot more fun than the sitting down and standing up exercises.”
His personal best score is 146, though his ultimate goal is to beat Whitten.
“I wish you could have seen him when he first came in,” Whitten said. “He came in his wheelchair, and now is standing and driving himself to therapy.”
Whitten said in addition to the balance it takes to stand and bowl, it also increases Whitworth’s stamina, since he has to stand around 10 or 15 minutes to play.
For games like tennis, boxing and baseball, patients are not only able to improve their balance, but their range of motion as well.
“We’ve seen increases in balance, strength and stamina for our patients,” Whitten said. “We can’t attribute all of that to the Wii, but it certainly doesn’t hurt.”
In addition to the Wii Sports, the hospital also has Wii Fit, which provides additional activities. It has many balance games that are good for weight shifting, weight transfer and generally maintaining center of gravity.
Whitten said the Wii also provides a good motivator for patients to complete their regular rehab sessions so they can play a game before heading for home. Teamwork Rehab is also beginning to use the Wii with stroke patients.
The hospital has only had the Wii gaming system for a few weeks, so Teamwork Rehab staff members are still getting to learn the games it offers.
“We like to call it research,” Whitten said.
Staff members challenge each other in various games, as well as competing against patients. Ski jumping is the favorite among the staff.
“So far the benefits are endless,” Whitten said. “The trend toward technology in all aspects of health care are great. While we have used many balance devices in the past like a maze game or sounds, nothing has compared to what the Wii has done for both the patient and the therapist.”
Login
Search 
Forums
Read original blog post
Wii Fit and Wii Rehabilitation comes to Hillsboro Area Hospital. According to the article below, the health benefits of the Wii and Wii Fit are endless. Check out this great article:
Topic RSS 
