Download - The benefits and drawbacks of using the wii
Learning DisabilitiesOCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
DRUMOSSIE UNIT, NEW CRAIGSINVERNESS IV3 8NP
TELEPHONE: (01463) 253616
Evidence for the benefits and drawbacks of using the Wii and other computer/video games.
Benefit ReferenceOffers recreational and therapeutic opportunities Peltier 2007Maintains mobility Peltier 2007Benefits balancing, arm movement, eye-hand co-ordination, range of motion
Peltier 2007
Interaction meets psychosocial need Peltier 2007Promotes fitness and exercise Streisand (2006),
Lowenstein (2007)Trout and Christie (2007)
Distraction assists with pain relief and anxiety (changing burns dressings, virtual worlds created to treat PTSD and phobias)
Streisand (2006)
Motivational – tedium can impede progress for stroke patients – replaces repeated motion in bending and stretching exercises, motivate people with chronic spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries to practice dynamic movement tasks. Engaging and motivating framework – important as lack of motivation and adherence to exercise problematic in traditional treatment regimes thus impacting therapeutic outcomes
Streisand (2006), Betker et al (2007), Flynn et al (2007)
Computer games have an accepted effect on increasing internal motivation and activity
Akram et al 2007
More enjoyable than other exercise programmes Betker et al (2007)Sense of achievement Levy 2007Stronger visual skills and make decisions 85% faster than nongamers
Bean (2006)
Gaming improves reaction times and spatial visualization
Bean (2006)
Develop finely tuned motor skills, timing, and co-ordination
Bean 2006
Stimulates positive activity behaviours – on their feet, moved in all directions while performing basic motor control and fundamental movement skills
Graves et al 2007
Could contribute to weight management Graves et al 2007Short term increase in attention capacity Akram et al 2007Computer games require problem solving skills Akram et al 2007Can improve self-confidence Akram et al 2007Using the computer is a self directed activity not limited by the constraint of having a therapist present
Flynn et al 2007
Feedback during the game – visual and auditory cues gives information about position in space and success of movement attempts
Flynn et al 2007
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Learning DisabilitiesOCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
DRUMOSSIE UNIT, NEW CRAIGSINVERNESS IV3 8NP
TELEPHONE: (01463) 253616
Computer games – easily available, mass accessibility and potential for home use
Flynn et al 2007
Computer games may be used to improve sensory/motor recovery following stroke as an adjunct to standard care physical therapy
Flynn et al 2007
May exercise for longer without realising Flynn et al 2007Connection with others – playing games against others e.g. Grandma who had a stroke playing with Grandson
Flynn et al 2007
Improved stroke patient’s proprioception, positively impacted on function
Flynn et al 2007
Exhilarating feeling when a task is accomplished Flynn et al 2007`Makes physical activity fun and challenging for both high and low-skilled students
Trout and Christie 2007
Built in assessments can educate about physiological functions of body e.g. how heart responds to various intensities of activity
Trout and Christie 2007
Games can enhance motor abilities e.g. balance, hand eye co-ordination, agility and core strength
Trout and Christie 2007
Computer games could lead to lifetime physical activity
Flynn et al 2007Trout and Christie 2007
Competing against yourself using a computer game – continually improving own performance, not concerned about letting the team down, no inappropriate level of competition
Trout and Christie 2007
Drawback ReferenceAs strength and endurance are not limiting factors can cause tendonitis and other injuries resulting from intensive use
Bonis 2007, Levy 2007
Wii uses more energy than playing sedentary computer games but not as much energy as playing the sport itself and is not of high enough intensity to contribute to the recommended daily amount of exercise for children
Graves et al 2007
Need enough space to ensure the area is safe and free from objects
Flynn et al 2007
Games are not modifiable – some games may be too difficult to perform at lowest levels
Flynn et al 2007
Lack of empirical evidence for benefits of computer games to support positive outcomes proclaimed in the popular media
Trout and Christie 2007
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Learning DisabilitiesOCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
DRUMOSSIE UNIT, NEW CRAIGSINVERNESS IV3 8NP
TELEPHONE: (01463) 253616
References
AKRAM, R., EESA, M. and PARVIZ, F. (2007) Effect of computer game intervention on the attention capacity of mentally retarded children International Journal of Nursing Practice 13 (5) p284 - 288
BEAN, M. (2006) PlayStation brain boosters Men’s Health 21 (10) p82
BETKER, A.L., DESAI, A., NETT, C., KAPADIA, N. and SZTURM, T. (2007) Game-based exercises for dynamic short-sitting balance rehabilitation of people with chronic spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries Physical Therapy 87 (10) p1389 - 1398
BONIS, J. (2007) Acute Wiitis The New England Journal of Medicine 356 (23) p2431
FLYNN, S., PALMA, P. and BENDER, A. (2007) Feasibility of using the Sony PlayStation 2 gaming platform for an individual poststroke: a case report Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy 31 (4) p180 -189
GRAVES (2007) Energy expenditure in adolescents playing new generation computer games British Medical Journal 335 p1282 - 1284
LEVY, S. (2007) The Low Cost of (Guitar) Heroism; If a teenager can become a make believe guitar hero, will he ever bother to master the real thing? Newsweek 149 (4) p24
LOWENSTEIN, S. (2007) Video Games for your Health Diabetes Forecast 60 (4) p67
PELTIER, M. (2007) ‘Wii’ can work it out Nursing Homes 56 (9) p72
STREISAND, B. (2006) Not just Child’s Play; With their unique ability to distract, educate and entertain, video games are increasingly being used to help heal and soothe the sick U.S. News & World Report Aug 14
TROUT, J. and CHRISTIE, B. (2007) Interactive Video Games in Physical Education Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance 78 (5) p29 - 35
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