We’ve heard it all, from Surgeons to video games. But now there seems to be a new edition to the abnormal news gripping the gaming industry.

The Nintendo Wii video games console is being used as part of physiotherapy treatment for patients in South-East England.

Playing on the Wii allows the user to increase flexibility in their body while simiply having fun.

Burns victims and those with hand injuries are said to benefit most from the Wii, with them actually enjoying their treatment.

Maureen Adams, head of therapy at Queen Victoria NHS Foundation Trust in East Grinstead, explains “When recovering from an operation, such as a skin graft, patients may need recover normal use of their hands and arms, Using the Wii is a way of significantly improving movement, while not seeing the activity as therapy, which helps motivate them. Wii can also be done at home, so patients are able to continue their own personal therapies.”

A boy from Manchester has already made a fast recovery after being struck by a 10 million volt lightning blot thanks to the Wii.

Physiotherapy is arguably a vital part of recovery from injuries, with the Wii being introduced as a complementary tool, rehabilitation is now fun and easy.

Stroke victims in the US and Germany also have come into contact with the Wii within several clinics to help regain movement in their arms and legs.

Most recently, it has made appearances in care homes as a way of keeping residents physically and mentally active.

It seems there is more to come from the Wii concerning its healthly benefits.

Tags : flexibility : Nintendo : Rehab : Wii

Comments

By: Dragonfly

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On: 08:33 Feb 26th, 2008
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deanogee;43732

A boy from Manchester has already made a fast recovery after being struck by a 10 million volt lightning blot thanks to the Wii.

:lol:

The therapeutic capabilities of video games aren't an entirely new thing; it's well understood that concentrating on a video game that act as a mild pain suppressant when an anaesthetic isn't an option, such as with burn victims.

The Wii, not surprisingly, is a brilliant extension of this. Recovering from a serious injury whilst also having fun? YES PLEASE!

It's always enlightening to see video games being used in such a productive (and more importantly, helpful) fashion, and may it continue to grow.

By: Evren

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On: 10:11 Feb 26th, 2008
Online

Thats definatly FTW.
In fact, that is SO FTW. Im offcially impressed.

Thats a really good idea, as they won't notice the time dissappearing, it will be awesome. =)
Shame I can't do anything for my ankle with a Wii.

By: Corrine

On: 10:43 Feb 26th, 2008
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That's cool and all. Too bad those injured Europeans won't have SSBB to recover with. Thanks a lot, Nintendo.

*still pissed off*

By: Evren

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On: 10:53 Feb 26th, 2008
Online

Corrine;43784

That's cool and all. Too bad those injured Europeans won't have SSBB to recover with. Thanks a lot, Nintendo.

*still pissed off*

*gnashgnash* Agreed.
....Even games like Crisis core have been pushed back....ARG.

By: Tiamat

On: 10:55 Feb 26th, 2008
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That is awesome!!!

And at least you live in the US Corrine, you can get it soon...