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Wii-habilitation takes off at Peninsula Private Hospital

Peninsula Private Hospital recently jumped on the technology bandwagon and introduced Nintendo WiiÒ as a therapeutic rehabilitation tool.

Nintendo WiiÒ, a virtual reality gaming console, is being used by physiotherapists and occupational therapists to help patients regain life skills and increase independence with daily activities.

“For many people balance, coordination, planning and problem solving are second nature but patients with orthopaedic injuries and neurological conditions often need to relearn these skills as part of their rehabilitation,” said Lara Paech, Allied Health Manager at Peninsula Private Hospital.

Wii FitÒ, Wii SportsÒ and Big Brain AcademyÒ were introduced late last year to rehabilitation inpatients as well as those attending day programs with great results.

According to Lara ‘Wii-habilitation’ therapy groups are already proving popular as are individual WiiÒ treatment sessions.

“The response from patients has been overwhelmingly positive with many requesting the WiiÒ for future therapy sessions and some even asking where they can get one for home,” said Lara.

Patients of all ages have benefited from the games’ simulation of real life activities and specific tasks, sometimes surprising themselves.

“Even older patients that are apprehensive at first are soon hooked,” she said.

In addition to its therapeutic value, Lara said the interactive style of treatment that WiiÒ offers has increased motivation and participation in therapy.

“The competitive challenge between patients as well as the positive reinforcement of beating their own previous score creates enthusiasm to participate,” said Lara.