The Nintendo Wii gaming console has grown as one of the most popular gaming platforms among families. The Wii uses a combination of wireless controllers and other tools that allow you to use your body as the main way to interact with the game.
The Wii is also a great therapy tool for children with physical disabilities. I know this not just from reading about it, but I also play my own Wii with my children. Both of my children love playing the Wii and we try to make time to play on it when we can.
Using the Wii
My youngest, who is a special needs child, loves many things and one of the things she loves is playing along with sister, her Mommy and me on the Wii.
Some of the games we play are: Dance Party, Outdoor Challenge, Wii Music, Wii Fit and Wii Sports Resort. Even though she is unable to stand on her own, she still is able to crawl around and move along with the game and play with all of us. She also loves to cheer the rest of us on when we play things like Wii Sport bowling or tennis.
One thing I have noticed is how certain games give my child a better opportunity to interact with the game. One of these would be Wii Music. With her limited mobility and balance, the controls and game play with Wii Music is perfect for her. She is able to work and strengthen her arms and the Wii helps with other things like fine motor skills.
With my experience playing the Wii with my child, I wonder how others use the Wii for therapy with their children. Like the young woman in this video, some people who use wheelchairs stand up in a stander to play Wii, combining standing therapy with Wiihab.
Photo Credit: Goodrob13
Do you know of others who have modified their Wii to provide better therapy? How do you play Wii with your child?
I work at a post-acute brain injury clinic, and we use the Wii to augment therapy sessions frequently. For those who can stand, the Wii FIT is a great tool. For those who can’t, we absolutely use the Wii while the patient stands in a standing frame – it’s a great way to work on trunk strength by playing the games that require both hands (boxing, swordfight, archery, etc.). We have added cuff weights or elastic resistance to add an arm strengthening component. Really, the sky’s the limit – especially with kids, it’s a great way for them to get the benefit of a rigorous treatment session and still have fun (they can really get engaged in the activity!).