Nintendo Wii is making its way in to rehabilitation centers across the United States and ManorCare Health Services has incorporated the interactive game into our rehabilitation program. Patients recovering from surgery, illness or injury can use the game to improve skills such as strength, balance, range of motion, weight shifting and reaction time.

Not only does the Wii provide physical benefits to rehabilitation, but it keeps patients focused mentally on their goals, according to Tyler Keeter, Director of Rehabilitation at ManorCare Health Services in Boulder. "Patients have fun when they come for rehabilitation and look forward to the task ahead, thanks to the Wii," Keeter said. "Many patients request the Wii as part of their rehabilitation. While traditional exercises are still a part of the patients' recovery process, the Wii reduces the monotony of the routines and is exciting and mentally stimulating."

The Wii is operated by a motion-sensitive controller that requires a patient to move his or her body in ways similar to that of the actual activity and similar to traditional therapy exercises. The games available incorporate some favorite pastimes such as golf, baseball, tennis, bowling and trivia, and can be played from the sitting or standing position. Each of these activities requires the use of different muscles and skills, thus providing patients with a wide range of rehabilitation opportunities.

For example, the motion used in bowling with the Wii increases upper extremity range of motion as well as hand-eye coordination needed to complete daily activities such as cooking or baking. The tennis game offers many of the same benefits of bowling, but also allows for patients to improve reaction time and both sitting and standing balance. Boxing can improve strength and aerobic capacity needed to get through a normal day.

While there is no scientific proof that the Nintendo Wii is beneficial in rehabilitation, ManorCare Health Services has seen signs of improvement both physically and mentally in patients. Other added benefits include that patients and families seem more engaged in the recovery process, and there are opportunities for group therapy which promotes healthy competitiveness among patients and allows for socialization.

ManorCare Health Services continues to be recognized in Fortune 500 as America's most admired companies. ManorCare is a leading provider of short-term post-acute services and long-term care. The company's nearly 60,000 employees provide quality care for patients and residents through a network of more than 500 skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers, assisted living facilities, outpatient rehabilitation clinics, and hospice and home care agencies. The company operates primarily under the respected Heartland, ManorCare Health Services and Arden Courts names.

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ManorCare Health Services
2800 Palo Parkway
Boulder, CO 80301
303-440-9100