Rehabilitation is unfortunately most times a slow and painful process. Many people have to go through tough sessions for months or even years and sometimes it can be hard to keep focused on the exercise.

Researchers are looking for different ways to help with this process and now some have turned to video games.

Games have proven successful in helping to rehabilitate burn victims and now it seems games might also be beneficial for stroke victims.

The Stroke Outcomes Research Unit at St. Michael’s Hospital in Canada is conducting a study involving the use of Wii games for the treatment of patients recovering from a stroke. By playing games using the WiiMote, patients can exercise while enjoying themselves and this helps them in staying engaged with their rehabilitation.

A recent British study might have debunked the Wii as a fitness machine, but there are still others who have ample amount of faith in the system’s fitness prowess. Now many hospitals have resorted to the Wii in an effort to make the usually mundane rehabilitation process a lot more fun. Among the slew of more »

A stroke victim in Minneapolis 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 that paralyzed 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.