The Nintendo Wii continues to make headlines, this time for being used as a device for physical therapy. Therapists at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital in Edmonton, Canada, are using the Wii to help treat patients who have movement and balance problems.

One account of the success of the Wii, involves the story of Albert Liaw. Albert was a boxer who suffered a brain injury in a boxing match. The injury left him confined to a wheelchair. Ironically, it is boxing that is helping him recoup from the injury. Well, a boxing game. In any event, therapists have Albert using the motion sensitive controller of the Wii to control the actions of the on-screen boxer. The reports are that this is making what can be a difficult and painful therapy into a more enticing fun event. A therapist mentions that Albert could do an hour of therapy with the Wii and not mind one bit. The therapist also remarks on the success of his therapy, commenting on the progress made.

This is an interesting use for the popular Wii. So far Glenrose is the only Therapy Hospital in Canada using the Wii for “Wii-habilitation”.

Source: CBC