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Making Sport of Physical Therapy

Med Headlines - Computer technology is an amazing thing. It helps us work more efficiently, keep track of personal correspondence and finances easier, makes homework a breeze, and it entertains kids of all ages.  Now physical therapists working in medical facilities in the US and Canada are even using a popular computer game system to enhance physical therapy for their patients.

Nintendo’s Wii game system engages the whole body, not just the fingers, for some of the games it runs. When playing the bowling game, for example, the player uses his or her entire body to make the same movements that would be made if playing at an actual bowling alley.

The Wii game system is proving especially effective for patients in recovery after experiencing brain and spinal cord injuries and for stroke patients. Playing the game helps improve hand-eye coordination, balance, stamina, and full body strength.

Perhaps most effective, however, is the fun. Patients enjoy this form of physical therapy and look forward to the competitive edge it puts into their rehabilitation efforts.

This form of therapy also bridges the generation gap, a benefit that other forms of physical therapy don’t often achieve. Young family members enjoy playing the games with the physical therapy patients, making therapy a fun and exciting event they can share with loved ones.

Physical therapy is not a game, however, so the computerized game system is used as part of a comprehensive program that involves traditional measures as well.

But it’s this particular part of the therapy program that many patients seem to enjoy the most.