Wii Gaming

Why do you think that Wii gaming has an appeal to people who are not tradionally video game players?

Wii gaming has become a very popular rehabilitation tool that has appealed to many patients. The ease and interactivity of the games makes the Wii unique and rewarding for people of all ages and abilities.

What is the relevance here for Occupational Therapy?

The Wii games are especially helpful for stroke patients who have regained use of only one arm. They only require the use of a single controller. The Wii is such a powerful rehab tool because it requires focus from the patient and often recovery is more fast and enjoyable. The Wii is useful in occupational therapy for people of all ages because it helps them redevelop the coordination to relearn daily living skills such as brushing teeth and combing hair. Although it is game based, the Wii rehab programme helps patients develop physical co-ordination, hand reflexes, hand-eye co-ordination and increases their fine motor control.


Investigate the other applications offered by the Wii gaming consol, how else could it be used as an OT tool?

Wii gaming alos helps patients to reduce stress leaves,it provides inspiration to "get their creative juices flowing", it provides physical exercise which can increase fitness or loose weight, provides educaton, many games can be played solo or as a team and therefore establishes and increases the paitents abilty to work together and finally increases the patients attention and focus in an enjoyable way.