By Debbie Williams Reporter
Published: Wed, April 23, 2008 - 4:31 pm
Last Updated: Wed, April 23, 2008 - 5:40 pm
Last Updated: Wed, April 23, 2008 - 5:40 pm
Debbie Williams
An electronic game of tennis, bowling or golf is just what the doctor ordered.
A wheelchair, weights and special glasses, "I have a pair representing macular degeneration, cataracts." that's what therapists are using to learn how to golf and bowl, Wii style. The interactive game, all the rage last Christmas, is not longer just about entertainment according to Mercy Medical Dr. Gary Keough, "Now we're able to apply it to people that have impairments, weakness, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries a way to introduce fun into therapy at the same time augmenting their co-ordination, balance."
Using a ball and a small bench, therapists try and recreate what patients experience so they know better how to help. Volunteer Lindsay Sport says there are many benefits. "I know just as far as socialization it would be great also just to get back in the swing of things they might like to do before."
In the past rehab was about work and weights but this new technology puts fun in therapy according to occupational therapist Joanne Castrillo, "Instead of having to come in and lift weights it's more able to have a competitive way of strengthening themselves."
Rehab will never be all fun and games, "TheIr routine sometimes boring repetition that they have to go through in therapies is alleviated so they can just have more fun and look forward to it," says Dr. Keough. Therapy may never be the same again. The Wii system was donated to Mercy Medical by the family of a former patient. Doctors say while the games are virtual, the results are real.
Enlarge Video 
Download Video
Video RSS
U.S. Kids Prescribed Drugs at High Rates
News Map
Email to a Friend 
Printer Friendly 
Recently Commented On