Virtual Gaming Physical Therapy to Help Wounded Warriors

Department Of Defense

The Naval Health Clinic in Charleston, S.C. began implementing a new physical therapy treatment July 2 that incorporates the Ninetendo Wii.

Physical therapy department head, Lt. Cmdr. Matthew Wise, wants his patients to enjoy their exercises and eager to return for future appointments. The more fun patients have, the more they will improve, and the better they will feel, he explained.

"Patients enjoy getting something back from using the Wii," Wise said. "Not only are they building up their muscles after an injury, they're also getting the satisfaction of playing a game."

Wii Fit offers a variety of activities from strength workouts, to yoga and balance exercises. A virtual instructor walks the user through each exercise, coaching and praising the player along the way. The game allows the player to create goals and explains what needs to be done to reach them in a designated amount of time.

Warriors returning from deployments often have serious mobility problems that need to be addressed. The balance games associated with the Wii Fit are extremely useful for those who are severely injured or have lost a limb. The balance board shows exactly where the user's center of balance is, and the games test one's ability to maintain an even weight distribution. Having good posture and balance will prevent physical injuries down the road, said Wise.

Wise believes that using the Nintendo Wii will encourage elderly patients to become more active, as well. For example, playing a few games of Wii Tennis could potentially make someone want to pick up a racket and start playing again.

"Using the Wii is a great simulator to get back into sports. There is no impact, so there's little chance for injury. Eventually, when your body is used going through the motions, you can leave the video game behind and try the actual activity," Wise said.

Nintendo Wii Consoles were donated by Nintendo to Navy Exchange Command and distributed through the Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery to various military treatment facilities throughout the country to support wounded warrior care and rehabilitation.

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Copyright 2009 by Department Of Defense