Nintendo Wii used in rehab therapy

[unhappycamper]

Nintendo Wii used in rehab therapy
By Lindsey Tanner - The Associated Press
Posted : Saturday Feb 9, 2008 17:38:02 EST

CHICAGO — Some call it “Wiihabilitation.”

Nintendo’s Wii video game system, whose popularity already extends beyond the teen gaming set, is fast becoming a craze in rehab therapy for patients recovering from strokes, broken bones, surgery and even combat injuries. It’s being implemented in one North Carolina hospital.

The usual stretching and lifting exercises that help the sick or injured regain strength can be painful, repetitive and downright boring.

In fact, many patients say PT — physical therapy’s nickname — really stands for “pain and torture,” said James Osborn, who oversees rehabilitation services at Herrin Hospital in southern Illinois.

Using the game console’s unique, motion-sensitive controller, Wii games require body movements similar to traditional therapy exercises. But patients become so engrossed mentally they are almost oblivious to the rigor, Osborn said.


Rest of article at: http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/02/ap_wiihabilitation_080209/

[fight4my3sons]

1. My friend's son has cancer and his doctor's use it for pt/ot.

It is the only way they can get him out of bed and moving sometimes.