OT includes Nintendo Wii in "Playroom" Based Therapy

Children who perceive sensory input differently than their peers, often struggle at home and at school. These kids face difficulties in day to day life, struggling not only with self care activities like with dressing and feeding, but also with classroom tasks such as attending to classwork, manipulating pencils and paper and absorbing instructions. Lindsey Stamper, an occupational therapist in Paducah, Kentucky works with many kids with neurological impairments, helping them to "slowly expand their capabilities." She provides this help in a SENSORY PLAYROOM.
Using balance balls, swings, a padded floor and Nintendo Wii & balance board activities Lindsey helps kids improve their ability to process sensory input and to engage in activities of daily living with less difficulty.
An approach utilizing sensory integration techniques proves successful in mitigating problems in children who experience neurological processing deficits. Many Wii applications either independently or in conjunction with other sensory diet components enrich a child's sensory experience while helping the child reach processing goals. The Wii, an increasingly familiar video gaming system, contributes therapeutic opportunities to address proprioceptive, vestibular, tactile, auditory and visual needs in a non-threatening and fun fashion.
Are you a parent or therapist interested in sensory processing disorders and in helping kids who deal with the resulting problems? Please post a comment and start a discussion. How do you think activities using Nintendo Wii games -"wii-hab" - can help a child you know?

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.  

News reports of Wii use in pediatric therapy

Using the Wii as part of therapy can work for all age groups. Children especially enjoy video games and have grown up as "digital natives" who are fluent in the use of computers and technology, and so using the Wii as a component of OT/PT in pediatrics makes sense.

This story from Texas reports on how therapists are using Wii games to help children not only gain strength and flexibility, but also improve coordination. As in many cases, the games chosen are tailored to patients' needs, such as Bowling and Boxing for arm strength and coordination.

Wiihab might be particularly useful for children because it removes the boredom factor from therapy. Using the Wii is also a distraction technique, reduces anxiety, and incorporates play into therapy.

For OTs, using the Wii with pediatric patients can be an especially important component of a well-rounded therapy program because playing is part of a child's "occupation." Additionally, because the Wii is a popular toy for younger age groups, learning how to use the Wii may help a child with social interaction and playing with peers. Playing Wii also is an opportunity for children to interact with parents and adults in a way that has therapeutic value.