Video games like Wii are being used to help patients with everything from Alzheimer's to coordination problems. It's fun, but does it really help?

For the first time, researchers say they have the answer.

After surgery for a paralyzing neck injury, Benjamin Norris is learning to move his arms again.

Judy Kramer fell and broke both arms. Diabetic neuropathy makes it hard to keep her balance.

Sharon Eshelman has Guillain Barre Syndrome, making her muscles numb and weak.

Now, for each, rehab is "Wii-hab." In what may be the first study of its kind, researchers analyzed 50 different Wii games and found a high correlation between movements used in the games and specific daily, life tasks.

"The game boxing, the upper cut task, correlates specifically with feeding yourself," says occupational therapist Kimberly Briggs. "Hand-to-mouth pattern, bowling and hair combing."

Not long ago, Benjamiin couldn't lift a fork. Computerized motion analysis showed this boxing game could retrain his arms and his brain.

The study showed this tilt-table game specifically activates and builds core muscle groups to help Sharon strengthen her midsection.

"I used to be a cross-country skier, and this is pretty close," says Judy.

This skiing game had a high correlation to improvements in core and leg strength to help Judy walk safely again.

"I think that using gaming platforms, not for games, but for therapy itself, will be the wave of the future," says Dr. Marshall Smith, of Banner Health in Phoenix.

Who knew getting better could be this much fun?

Though researchers specifically studied Wii games, the goal is to develop even more therapeutically-targeted games to maximize the benefits for patients.

RESEARCH SUMMARY
Wii-HAB: PROOF IT WORKS
REPORT #1629

WHAT IS Wii? Developed by Nintendo and introduced in 2006, Wii was formally known as Nintendo Revolution. The system is an interactive video game in which players are able to use cordless remote controllers that detect motion and can be directed at the television for control of the game. The Blue-Tooth based remote uses infrared signals after a senor bar is placed in front of the screen, according to PC Magazine. Up to four players can use their own remote. The remotes include speakers, which produce sound effects when waving the device or hitting the virtual balls. Each controller is attached to a wristband to ensure users don't throw their controllers rather than the virtual objects. Wii has grown in popularity over other video game options because of its capability to make users feel like they are in the video game themselves. It is the first interactive video game of its kind.

WII-HAB WITH WII-SPORTS: Wii Sports is a set of five sports where players use their cordless motion- detecting controllers to virtually set foot on the field and get into a sporting event. The sports include tennis, baseball, golf, bowling and boxing. Users create an individual character and can choose distinct physical characteristics to resemble themselves in real-life. When they play, they use their same Wii-character. Depending on records of wins and losses, their skill levels can rise and fall. This level encourages players to keep playing and to try to keep winning to improve their skill level. Wii-hab uses the Wii sports to increase hand-eye coordination, visual perception, figure-ground relationships and sequenced movement, according to an article published on Medical News Today.

STUDY OF WII-HAB TO TREAT PARKINSON'S: In a small, eight-week study of 20 Parkinson's disease patients, participants played Wii for one hour, three times weekly for four weeks. Patients participated in tennis, bowling, and some boxing games. According to Live Science, the study was funded with a $45,000 grant from the National Parkinson's Foundation. "Participants showed significant improvements in rigidity, movement, fine motor skills and energy levels," Dr. Ben Herz, program director and assistant professor in the School of Allied Health Sciences Department of Occupational Therapy, was quoted as saying. "Perhaps, most impressively, most participants' depression levels decreased to zero ... Game systems are the future of rehab. About 60 percent of the study participants decided to buy a Wii for themselves. That speaks volumes for how this made them feel."

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Banner Good Samaritan Public Relations
Phoenix, AZ
(602) 839-4411
BGS.publicrelations@bannerhealth.com