Nintendo Wii Fit for physiotherapy
Interesting press release regarding use of Nintendo Wii Fit to benefit young patients undergoing physiotherapy.
Two Lancashire hospitals have taken the unusual step of introducing the Wii Fit computer console into their Physiotherapy Departments to aid the rehabilitation of young patients.
The idea was the brainchild of a 12-year old patient and staff at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which run Chorley and South Ribble Hospital and Royal Preston Hospital, have purchased two game consoles and fitness games to benefit youngsters undergoing treatment.
The Nintendo Wii Fit aims to promote health and fitness through active games.
Lesley Walters, Head of Physiotherapy, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We provide a paediatric and adolescent physiotherapy service. One of our patients suggested it would be a good idea and new and fun way to get youngsters to undertake physiotherapy.
“Physiotherapy sessions for children and young people often use play or diversion techniques to get them to overcome any discomfort or stiffness they may feel.
“Wii Fit is a great way of using computer games to stimulate interest while performing exercises which can be uncomfortable.
“We encourage people to have fun while undergoing physiotherapy and the use of a computer games console which encourages fitness is a fantastic innovation for physiotherapy.
“Two consoles have been purchased and we will be using them in our paediatric and adolescent physiotherapy services at Chorley and South Ribble Hospital and Royal Preston Hospital. It is being used in an increasing number of NHS Physiotherapy departments and I’m sure that it will prove very popular in Lancashire.”
Ivor Kovic
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[…] The idea was the brainchild of a 12-year old patient and staff at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which run Chorley and South Ribble Hospital and Royal Preston Hospital, have purchased two game consoles and fitness … Nintendo Wii Fit for physiotherapy […]
I do think the Nintendo Wii is a great new way and form of exercise! It’s been used in so many ways, even in old people’s homes… Do you think Nintendo intended this?
Very interesting question. Maybe I am wrong, but I don’t believe even Nintendo could have imagined this. So far I haven’t see any reaction from them. It would be indeed interesting to hear their opinion.
http://rehabilitacionymedicinafisica.blogspot.com/search/label/Videojuegos
I have some more rehabilitation uses for videogames posted in my blog
i enjoy playing all on the Nintendo Wii. it is very responsive and have more features than some other game consoles.
The wii fit, having been out around a year and a bit now is fantastic ! However, can’t help but think you can do these excercises without the use of technology.
It’s funny, my 60+ year old parents absolutely love the Wii Fit, so I guess whether Nintendo intended it or not it’s really helping people in that older generation stay healthy!