Wii Creeping Into Rehabilitation Hospitals

There's no doubt the Wii is an excellent way to get the blood pumping, but did you know hospitals are now using it for rehabilitation purposes? Geeksugar points out that an article in the Edmonton Journal highlights the potential of introducing Wii gaming to rehabilitating patients. The Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital is now the first hospital in the country to use the Nintendo Will to treat patients with movement and balance issues. An injured boxer, Albert Liaw, received one too many punches in the ring that left him in a wheelchair after suffering a spontaneous stroke and brain injury. The boxer is now shuffling his feet once again, this time in front of the television thanks to Wii Sports.

But he's not the only one having all the fun. Therapists at Glenrose are guiding and encouraging other patients to play virtual tennis, golf, and baseball as a way to help them regain lost movement. It seems patients now look forward to therapy sessions that are still meant to help them gain back their strength and balance. Dr Grigore Burdea, an expert in virtual reality rehabilitation techniques, tells the Edmonton Journal he believes gaming technology will be embraced by hospitals in five years. Sounds like a great way to motivate patients.

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