If you’re a healthcare provider, and you think gamers are either 16 years old or someone your age who’s bored at work, read on.   Leading edge innovators in physical rehab and long-term care settings have tiptoed into using Wii as a part of their treatment protocols, and the results have been beyond their expectations.  The commonality that they share is that they have found the Wii.

Wii in occupational therapy.

Mershon Hinkel, MSPH, OTR/L, an occupational therapist at Meadowbrook Occupational Therapy, Meadowbrook, PA, is known as the “WII OT”.  She has practiced occupational therapy for over 25 years and is an expert in “Wiihab,” or rehabilitative techniques using the Wii and other interactive devices. She is also a consultant to medical practices, a part-time academic, and a writer.  “I use Wii with my patients all of the time.  Using virtual reality and video feedback systems bring fun and engagement into the rehab setting.” Mershon says.  It’s a good idea when implementing new methodologies to learn from experienced therapists.  Mershon teaches a workshop called  “Wii-Hab – Using the Nintendo Wii in a Therapeutic Setting” and has a great blog about the topic: http://wiihabtherapy.blogspot.com/

On her blog, she discusses an upcoming release of a new accessory for the remote device (“Wiimote”).

“The Wii MotionPlus can be easily attached to the remote.  Once attached, this device enhances the remote’s ability to detect and reflect arm and wrist motions.  This increased sensitivity and accuracy may improve Wii’s value as a therapeutic tool for rehabbing higher functioning clients.  By enhancing the remote’s ability to detect even the slightest movement of the wrist and arm, Nintendo might be making it easier to target specific muscles and to encourage increases in strength, coordination and endurance,” Mershon offered.

This new addition is scheduled for market release in the U.S. in just a few weeks, on June 8.

Wii for rehab and long term care.

Russ Tolliver, Program Manager at Genesis Rehabilitation Services in the Jacksonville, Florida area, has also found the magic of utilizing the Wii in the rehab setting. “We currently utilize the Wii with six Wii programs for our facility, sports, Wii Fitness, and cognitive game/exercises,” Russ notes.  “It’s an extremely resourceful tool to have in the therapy gyms, and the clients are always are talking about how they are doing-from where to they started to ways in which the program has helped them functionally get better.”

Laura Minck, CEO of Ergonomic Energy Consulting in Raleigh-Durham, NC, is seeing more and more clients integrating Wii into their treatment plans. “I have seen several long term care facilities using Wii in therapy and also as an activity during free time,”  Laura observes.  “Some of the facilities are forming bowling leagues using the Wii, since their clients have difficulties lifting heavy bowling balls. This allows them to participate in an activity they love, give them exercise and keep their minds active.”

Michelle Lucas-Webb, owner at Rehab Dimensions, Inc, in the Charlotte, NC area, sees its value in a treatment plan to address balance, ROM and endurance.  “I have seen this in action in several geriatric settings and residents seem to love it!” says Michelle.

Wii on the brain.

Neuro rehab is another clinical area where patients gain improved function with Wii as an integrated part of the treatment plan.  Clayton Fowlie, President and CEO at Maine Center for Integrated Rehab, enthusiastically says, “We use them in my neuro rehab clinics here. Our clients love them. They are primarily used by our PTs and Recreational Therapists. Great results!” said Clayton, while noting humorously, “Staff loves them too!”