Continuing Education Workshop featuring the "Wii OT"

Allegany College in Cumberland, Maryland  is now offering a second one-day continuing education workshop featuring the "Wii OT''.   The May 1st educational workshop is filled to capacity. So, on Saturday, May 2, 2009 another opportunity for occupational and physical therapists (and other rehabilitation professionals) to be introduced to the Nintendo Wii as a therapuetic tool will be offered. The WiiHab Therapy  Workshop offers a full day of exciting activities to help therapists and others involved in health care learn not only the great benefits of using the Wii in their clinical setting, but also the best methods to ensure that using the Wii is truly therapuetic.  

Course Description:

Rehabilitation therapists have a long history of using innovative and entertaining activities to help patients reach therapeutic goals. In this one-day course, therapists will be introduced to the Nintendo Wii as a therapeutic tool which can help patients increase strength, balance, endurance, flexibility and hand-eye coordination. Additionally, participants will learn appropriate adaptations and modification for Wii play in various patient populations, particularly older adults. Course will include case studies and practical considerations for patient safety.

Continuing Education Information:

Approved by the Maryland Board of Occupational Therapy Practice for 7 contact hours. Approved by the Maryland Board of Physical Therapy Examiners for .7 CEU’s. All other professionals will receive 7 contact hours from Allegany College of Maryland.

For more information, call:

Linda Atkinson, Director,

Institute for Health

and Human Services

(301) 784-5526

I look forward to seeing many of you there!

The Wii can fight Childhood Obesity

Earlier, I wrote about the Wii and Health Promotion (October 8, 2008).   Using the Wii is a great tool to combat the sedentary lifestyle.  Now, researchers in England are looking into the use of Wii to combat obesity in children.    How are you using the Wii in your practice?   Do you find that it motivates those you are working with?  I see it every day.  Helping people move more in an enjoyable and motivating way promotes a positive attitude.