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"As physical therapists, we are movement specialists engaged in theCPTA-sponsored MoveCalifornia campaign to get people active and fit again. Inthe midst of this, we're seeing a therapeutic phenomenon of sorts with kids,grown-ups and geriatric patients getting off the couch and learning how toproperly use the Wii for core strength and balancing exercises," said CPTAmember Amy Calhoun Sanchez, PT, DPT, CSCS, NSCA-CPT.
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Sanchez is a doctor of physical therapy working in the outpatientrehabilitation department at a local Los Angeles hospital and providespediatric home health care for developmentally delayed children.
"In the clinic setting, we treat patients with acute and chronic pain,those recovering from surgery or stroke and many other conditions withspecific balance and strengthening exercises and manual therapy, and theyrespond to that," added Sanchez. "But the Wii sports games are interactive,fun and entertaining, and patients become more engaged playing with them. Byteaching patients how to use the Wii in a clinic setting, we empower them tocontinue their exercise, fitness and training with the Wii Fitness in thecomfort of their own homes."
While Sanchez emphasized Wii is helpful in preventing injuries and fallsand increasing functionality, she cautions that anyone with undiagnosed painor untreated injuries should refrain from using the Wii without professionalguidance.
"Playing a Wii game too soon after an injury can be extremely harmful to aperson's health and even set back recovery or lead to re-injury if he or sheis not properly evaluated by a physical therapist first," said Sanchez. "Atherapist will help to decrease pain and improve posture before recommendingor advancing a Wii regimen tailored to the individual's specific needs."
Sanchez noted most physical therapy includes core stability training, butoften it is difficult to teach people how to engage their core. "They tend toarch their backs and put too much weight on their heels in a way that causesfurther pain with movement."
"What's so great about the Wii is it allows a patient to know where thebody is in space by showing real-time movements on a screen in simulated yoga,aerobics, strength training and balance exercises," stated Sanchez. "The Wiiis the next best thing to simulating an environment on the golf course ortennis court, so we can see first hand what a person is doing wrong andcorrect that movement. The Wii makes for simple and fun therapy and, rightnow, is the coolest, new therapy around."
MoveCalifornia is a CPTA-sponsored statewide public education campaigndesigned to call attention to the importance of wellness and daily physicalexercise and the unique role physical therapists play in these areas. Formore information about MoveCalifornia, visit the MoveCalifornia Web site athttp://www.movecalifornia.org.
SOURCE California Physical Therapy Association
