As the value of Nintendo’s Wii for physical therapy becomes increasingly recognized, another group has publicized its use of the system, this time to help improve motion for patients suffering from Alzheimer’s and other conditions.
The VIP Adult Day Health Care Center in Anaheim introduced Wii gaming sessions three months ago which has lead to an improvement in motor skills, as well as hand-eye coordination in patients. Twice monthly, patients get to do such things as fish, bowl or play table tennis without leaving the safety of the center.
“The patients really enjoy the games and, though it’s a one-on-one game, the patients cheer for each other,” said Christine Diminyatz, director of the program and registered nurse,
quoted by InsideBayArea.com.
Positive feedback has lead the initiator of the program, Dennis Miyadi, occupational therapist to continue the activity, both at the Anaheim center and its sister center in Santa Ana.
One patient, 65-year-old Joseph Redinger of Fullerton, learnt how to bowl virtually from Miyadi. Redinger explains the game reminds him of when he bowled many years ago, an activity he has given up because of his health.
“For me, bowling right now is a miracle,” he said.
Reminiscing, Redinger remembers the fun he used to have bowling, though he admits he usually rolled gutter balls. The game is fun and gets his muscles working again, he explains. This proving once again that
games and health can often walk hand in hand.
