Newspaper article
This article was published in the December 10, 2008 edition of the Torrington Register Citizen. Interest was drawn from our Fall/Winter 2008 newsletter article about our use of the Wii Fit, that it was forwarded by someone at the Register to a staff writer there, who then contacted me to do an article.
Wii Fit helps patients at physical therapy center
Wednesday, December 10, 2008 12:59 AM EST
By RONALD DEROSA
TORRINGTON — Video games and physical activity, a once unlikely combo for many, have seen major success at a local physical therapy center.
Maletta Pfeiffer & Associates has successfully integrated the Nintendo Wii and the active video games Wii Fit and Wii Sports as part of its rehabilitation services, company officials said.
For about six weeks, the clinic has employed the use of the video games for balance and extra activities beyond regular weight training, lifting or stationary bicycles, said Owner Dan Albanese. Already the use of Wii Fit has been implemented at other clinics since its release this past summer, he added.
"It’s worked wonderfully," Albanese said. "Patients love it and it’s something different than just coming in and doing the regular balance activities."
Wii Fit in particular incorporates many different exercises, Albanese said.
The video game utilizes a balance board that the player stands on to partake in a number of different activities including a tightrope walk, balance measuring and yoga exercises. The balance board is required to play the various games in Wii Fit which focus mostly on physical training and exercise.
"It’s very realistic in terms of using too much weight on (the balance board)," Albanese said. "For yoga, not only is it good for poses and balance, but for deep breath and helping to get a proper center of gravity."
The game allows for the players to track their progress, he said.
At the clinic, patients are also able to play Wii Sports, in particular a bowling game where the player simulates the actual motions of throwing a bowling ball down a lane.
Maletta Pfeiffer & Associates has 250 to 300 visits per week for physical therapy, Albanese said. The patients come for a wide array of needs ranging across ages, conditions, genders and particular therapeutic injuries.
The center currently has one Wii for the patients to play as part of their regular exercise activities, in between waiting to use other machines, Albanese said.
"The plan is to have one Wii at each office to start with," he said.
Great, Dan! I am going to send this information to my friends who are interested in fitness.
ReplyDelete