Stroke patient recovers using Wii

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.