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 Dr. Patricia A. O'Brien, PT, DPT is a
licensed physical therapist for
AdvantageCare Rehab at the
Washington County Health Center.
Her doctorate degree is from
Wheeling Jesuit University. In addition,
she holds a nursing degree (R.N.)
with a current Pennsylvania registered
nursing license. If you or a family
member is interested in learning more
about AdvantageCare Rehabilitation,
please contact Dr. Patricia O'Brien in
the Physical Therapy Department at
724.228.1249 or the Washington
County Health Center at 724.228.5010.
Wii Therapy
Physical therapy isn’t easy. It’s hard work. Keeping a patient interested
in participating can be a real challenge and this is especially true when
working with a predominantly geriatric population. Therapists look for
any innovative item or new piece of equipment to introduce to their
patients to enhance the rehab process. Balancing the traditional therapy
techniques with fun, novel ideas requires a little bit of imagination.
The residents of the Washington County Health Center are not
familiar with video games. Most of the patients don’t utilize a cell
phone or Blackberry and they don’t use the Internet. Technology is
intimidating to them because of their lack of knowledge or
understanding of our everyday devices. Yet the therapists really thought
that their patients would not only love video games but would really
benefit from the exercise and movements that are required to play.
It may sound strange, but the therapists at WCHC took a chance.
It seems that “Wii-hab” is becoming a growing trend across the
country where rehab professionals are finding that patients show actual
benefit from the video gaming experience. Therapy departments are
purchasing Wii game systems to use as part of their patients’ daily
therapy routines or as an adjunct to treatment for those individuals
recovering from a stroke, an accident or other illness. Hospitals,
outpatient clinics and skilled nursing facilities are purchasing and
implementing Wii into their programs too. With adjustable skill
levels and a variety of games to choose from, Wii allows therapists to
essentially tailor design a program for each individual patient.
Safety, function and the specific treatment goals need to be
considered when establishing a video game program and certain
precautions should be followed with those patients who experience
seizures or have a permanent pacemaker.
Wii is able to promote and enhance movement, balance, endurance
and cognition while offering a fun and alternative treatment. The
Nintendo Wii video game system was indeed introduced to the
residents and so far has been a success story. There has been much
discussion regarding the Nintendo Wii gaming system since its release
in November, 2006. Nintendo Wii (pronounced “we”) is unlike
traditional hand-held video games, where the user is essentially
stationary except for their fingers and thumbs. This particular system
features digital sensors and infrared detection that allow the player to
“virtually” participate in the game using interactive remote controls.
The wireless, hand-held controller, the Wii Remote, detects motion,
acceleration and orientation in three dimensions, thus requiring the
player to perform the physical motions while continuing to use the
conventional buttons found in most game systems.
In Wii Sports, a game that is provided with the purchase of the
console, users can play sports like bowling, tennis, boxing, golf and
baseball. The game may be virtual, but the physical exertion is very
real. The bowling game requires the user to simulate the throwing of
a bowling ball down the lane using the remote control device. For the
golf game, the user imitates the actual swing of a golf club with the
remote control. Even patients who are no longer ambulatory are able to
play and participate from a seated position, giving them a new-found
freedom otherwise unattainable.
Another game appropriate for all ages is the Carnival Games
collection, consisting of two dozen carnival-type games commonly
found at Kennywood or the County Fair. Most of the games involve
upper body and extremity movements as well as hand-eye coordination
tasks like free throw basketball, shooting gallery and balloon pop.
Such games are realistic and even offer virtual prizes for the players’
efforts. Therapists are noting improvements with compliance and
confidence levels. Instead of the patient focusing solely on the exercise
or intervention, they can now shift their attention to the challenges of
Wii. They are even able to work through painful or unpleasant
movements because they are caught up in the moment of the game.
Patients at WCHC are finding the games to be entertaining and
competitive while facilitating the achievement of their rehabilitation
goals. After the initial introduction and demonstration, the patients are
able to play with the appropriate levels of supervision and assistance. The
residents are finding that video games aren’t just for kids anymore.
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