Oct 12, 2007 10:20 pm US/Pacific
Wii-hab Helps Those Suffering From Serious Injury
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (CBS) ―
A popular gaming system is becoming a useful tool for physical rehabilitation. They're calling it Wii-hab at the Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute in Minneapolis, Minn. and patients are having some serious fun.
Coming back from a serious injury is usually more about work than play, but the Nintendo Wii's unique interactive controls give patients a safe but realistic way to retrain their bodies.
The patients bowl and play games like baseball and tennis on the Wii. They mimic real game movements with the controls. Even patients with limited mobility can use the controls.
Therapists said Wii-hab is working.
"I've seen spinal cord patients really regain the ability to move - gain movement from everything that help them wash their face, brush their teeth, to get in and out of the chair to start a car," said Occupational Therapist Jennifer Smith.
One advantage of the Wii. It gives the patient real time feedback on their actions in a safe environment.
Smith works with a range of patients. On CBS station WCCO-TV's visit, she taught two spinal cord patients in wheelchairs how to play Wii baseball. The game challenges hand and eye coordination, but is more physically challenging than a traditional video game.
"It forces the patient to move around and their whole body," said Lars Oddsson, Director of Research.
Ali Ahmed has been suffering double vision from a brain injury during a car accident. His sight has improved since using the Wii and it hasn't felt like work.
"I'm happy to have this option. I don't think anything would be better than playing a game," said Ahmed.
Keeping the patients motivated is a big part of success. No matter what the score, just getting into the game means a big step toward getting back to life as usual.
The Sister Kenny Research Center is tracking patients' success with the Wii and may have results later next year. This may lead to expanding and adapting the technology for rehab patients. There are also plans to start using a rehab game in which patients simulate being part of an air hockey game.
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