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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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


Games can enhance motor abilities e.g. balance, hand eye co-ordination, agility and core strength


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


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


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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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the benefits and drawbacks of using the wii

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