Nintendo Wii Fit and its older sibling Wii Sports continue to enhance the world of rehabilitation by exercising entire bodies of seniors and others. The newer Wii Fit uses the Wii Balance Board, a pad that players stand on while doing various types of exercise, including calisthenics, yoga, and balance games.
Baseline tests established with Wii Fit keep track of patients’ individual progress. This direct feedback from the game is a big plus because it always keeps patients abreast of how well they are doing. With variety, tracking, and personalized fun provided by the Wii games, more seniors can look forward to rehab with “old school” opportunities to hula-hoop and twist.
Patients at St. Mary’s Medical Center in San Francisco are pleased with both Wii products when used in recovering strength and balance from traumatic injuries or surgery. This video shows Wii Sports and Wii Fit being used by patients at St. Mary’s Medical Center.
Frances Shani Parker, Author
"Becoming Dead Right: A Hospice Volunteer in Urban Nursing Homes”
“Hospice and Nursing Homes Blog”
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