Stroke patient recovers using Wii

A stroke victim in Minneapolis, MN, is using a Wii as therapy to recover and regain his strength. Jerry Pope, a 77 year old tennis player, suffered a stroke in June 2007, paralyzing his right side. According to his wife, he couldn’t even stand up but now, along with other patients, he is trying an innovative program at Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis.

Pope said that at first he started with regular therapy but was annoyed by the repetitive exercises. That was when occupational therapist Mathew White told him about the Wii. He thought that by playing Wii Sports and simulating a tennis match, Pope would be entertained and the range of motion would help him with his rehabilitation.

Pope says he had never played a video game before but after playing the real thing for 60 years, Wii Sports’ Tennis seemed very intuitive and easy for him. According to White, this motivates patients in their rehabilitation and makes the exercise fun.

I’m amazed at the uses people are finding for Nintendo’s console. The WiiMote has been used for controlling RC cars, robot arms, a whole house and now for therapy. Although in my opinion the Wii isn’t the best console, I believe it has made a different and maybe more important contribution. Its ease of use and appeal to a broader audience has made people look at games in a different way and with this it helps all other game platforms.

As ideas like these become more widespread, Nintendo will not only consolidate its position as leader in sales, but also as a driving force in games tech revolution

Read [ Tyler Paper]