The Nintendo Wii Console is Being Adapted to Help Stroke Victims
Rahul Kalvapalle — December 11, 2014 — Tech
References: lancaster.ac.uk & gizmag
Researchers at Lancaster University are looking into ways to adapt Nintendo Wii games to use them as physiotherapy tools to assist stroke victims. Many stroke victims suffer paralysis or loss in controlling movements. Now, the diminutive and modern Nintendo Wii system could be used as efficient, cost-effective and fun rehabilitation tools for victims of strokes.
The researchers inducted survivors of strokes into three trials which required them to imitate a screen-projected 3D avatar. They were asked to follow movement patterns for the shoulders, elbows and forearms and were even requested to hit randomly appearing balls and play air hockey.
Following the Nintendo Wii-assisted rehabilitation, one study participant was able to lift and drain a cooking pan for the first time since her stroke 11 years earlier. Ultimately, using the Wii in this manner could
The researchers inducted survivors of strokes into three trials which required them to imitate a screen-projected 3D avatar. They were asked to follow movement patterns for the shoulders, elbows and forearms and were even requested to hit randomly appearing balls and play air hockey.
Following the Nintendo Wii-assisted rehabilitation, one study participant was able to lift and drain a cooking pan for the first time since her stroke 11 years earlier. Ultimately, using the Wii in this manner could
Trend Themes
1. Adaptive Gaming for Rehabilitation - Using gaming technology to assist in the rehabilitation of stroke victims by adapting Nintendo Wii games.
2. Cost-effective and Fun Rehabilitation - Utilizing the Nintendo Wii console as a cost-effective and enjoyable tool for stroke victim rehabilitation.
3. Improved Motor Skills Through Gaming - Incorporating Nintendo Wii games to improve motor skills and regain movement control for stroke survivors.
Industry Implications
1. Healthcare Technology - Integrating gaming technology into healthcare settings to enhance rehabilitation and therapy for stroke victims.
2. Gaming and Entertainment - Expanding the use of gaming consoles, such as the Nintendo Wii, beyond entertainment to benefit healthcare and rehabilitation fields.
3. Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation - Applying innovative gaming solutions, like the adaptation of Nintendo Wii games, to enhance physiotherapy and rehabilitation practices for stroke victims.
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