On September 8, 2012, in the
article “Physical Therapists Turn to Wii Golf” from The New York Times, Lisa D. Miki reported that Nintendo Wii golf
has turned into a useful tool in physical therapy. The video game allows
patients to swing the wireless hand-held wand, which not only helps them gain
the ability to coordinate, but also to maintain balance by looking at the TV
screen. Physical therapists are astonished that even though the game is not
considered a form of exercise, the repetition of movement and practice of
balance had a positive effect. Mike Pelletier, who had a stroke in June, stated,
“I have to give credit to this Wii game. It helped me work on my balance” (The New York Times). He had fun playing
the game with his grandchildren, and also reported that it helped him stay
active. Dr. Arlene McCartney reported, “It’s so important to keep
people moving, and this game achieves that. It helps with balance and provides
another way for individuals to stay active” (The New York Times). After observing a group of stroke patients
cheer up as they enjoyed the game, she was completely convinced of the positive
effects that the game had. The article shows that technological advancements
and creative games help people who suffer a natural, but tragic health condition:
a stroke. However, people argue that playing video games is an indoor activity
and does not have positive effects since patients are concentrating through the
lightening of the TV for a long time.
It is absolutely incerdible how far technology has come. The Nintendo Wii has come far enough to become one of the best treatments for stroke patients. I have the Wii and it is truly a remarkable and relaxing game to get your mind off things, especially for patients who have experienced stroke. Hopefully, the Nintendo Wii can bring the stroke patients back to their healthy and normal selves.
ReplyDeleteThis is an intriguing development in stroke victim rehabilitation. I believe that the Wii can be helpful to elderly men and women who have suffered a stroke. It is an excellent way to start bringing patients back to shape. Although some may argue that it is an indoor activity and does not have positive effects, it can play as a stepping stone to more vigorous outdoor activities. A stroke victim can not immediately begin physical activity after being released from the hospital, rather it is recommended that they slowly redevelop their motor skills, and the Wii is the perfect way to that.
ReplyDeleteNot only is it a form of entertainment, but now it is a possible solution to those who survive strokes? Technology always surprises me; maybe I should start playing Wii again. It might not look like a big deal to those in shape, but I am positive that the Wii sports games can make a difference in those who are elderly. Maintaining or gaining balance from games like tennis, boxing, baseball, and etc... Sounds incredible coming from Wii. I hope our modern technology can advance soon and possibly create new forms of treatments, the way the Wii is being used.
ReplyDeleteTechnology always finds its ways to show that it can help a person in any sense. I have always known that playing games with the Nintendo Wii was a way to keep people active, but did not know that it could help people who have had a stroke. This is by far one of the best treatments that I have heard of for any sickness. Instead of taking disgusting medicine, or extremely large pills, why not turn on the Wii and start golfing and having fun with your family! Who would not want that?
ReplyDeleteUnlike others, this does not surprise me one bit! I am a proud owner of Wii Golf. I have played this game numerous times with my cousins, and surprisingly it makes me sweat like no tomorrow! After playing that game, I march straight into the bathroom for a relaxing and refreshing shower. These types of advancements brings me great joy, because it portrays all the achievements we as humans have made throughout the years. Who knows? Maybe one day people will not need to buy a gym membership; but will need to buy Wiis as a console used for exercise purposes.
ReplyDeleteIt is truly astonishing how far technology has come. Far enough to help stroke patients. This new method of physical therapy is much better than destroying your organs with bitter medication that has harmful side effects.
ReplyDeleteWow i never thought a video game would be thereputic. It is so great how useful technology has proved itself to be. The wii game is not only useful to children but to adults too. Its amazing how a simple wii game helps with balance and physical activity.
ReplyDeleteCreativity and the practice of being open-minded results to the birth of new ideas that can have a positive effect. If the Wii Golf is helping patients heal instead of physical therapy, then it should be accepted as a method of physical therapy. Patients can enjoy themselves by playing a video game, and simultaneously using the game for medical purposes. One may believe that video games are counter productive, but this occurrence proves that there are both pros and cons to video games and video game consoles.
ReplyDeleteIt amazes me how technology keeps improving every day with new ideas and new developments. Playing the Wii is enjoyable and can help you be physically healthy in a way. This is a new solution that should be tried by everyone because it can help people in a variety of ways.
ReplyDeleteBefore reading this blog post I thought video games caused nothing but harm. It is incredible how technology has advanced to the point where it serves as a substitute for outdoor exercise. Patients who suffered a stroke can have fun while exercising. There will be no need of hardcore excerise because a simple game of Wii will do. This technological advancement is a beneficial for the elderly because it will help them slowly get into shape.
ReplyDeleteKristine - I have owned a Wii for many years and have found it very useful. I am not surprised that a game like Wii Golf could easily be used as a form of physical therapy. I disagree with the fact that the Wii games are not considered to be a form of exercise. I use it as one of my forms of working out and it makes me sweat and move, but I am having fun while doing so.
ReplyDelete