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Jennifer Rampersad
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Bayside, NY - April 15, 2008 - Nintendo's Wii has become a phenomenon in the healthcare industry after recent findings show the game system's benefits in rehabilitating patients. St. Mary's Healthcare System for Children, one of the nation's leading providers of post-acute pediatric care for children with special needs and life limiting conditions, is a leading force behind this remarkable discovery. St. Mary's began using Wii therapy to create an environment of fun while helping children with special needs develop strength and agility. Dr. Holly Phillips of WCBS Channel 2 joined children and staff today to get a first hand look at some of the innovative rehabilitative techniques St. Mary's therapists are involved in.
It began as a mere videogame; children of all ages found themselves glued to the television sets while parents and spouses urged them do their homework or make conversation instead. But now St. Mary's patients' parents are actually encouraging their children to pick up the controls and get involved with a healthy game of tennis, golf, basketball or bowling. WCBS Channel 2 health reporter Dr. Holly Phillips met with staff members, physicians and inpatients of St. Mary's Children's Hospital to better understand their use of Wii therapy for children with special needs, and was impressed with the results.
St. Mary's physical therapists describe Wii therapy as a fun way to exercise the body while simultaneously treating health complications such as brain injuries. Dr. Phillips wanted to see some patients in action, so St. Mary's introduced her to one of their traumatic brain injury patients who has become a Wii champion: 16 year-old Michael Weiss. Following a severe car accident two years ago, Michael was admitted to St. Mary's Traumatic Brain Injury Unit. Michael receives speech and physical therapy, and Wii therapy has become a part of his daily routine. "Michael loves it and he gets into it. It gets him excited and energetic about therapy," said John Paul Rincon, Michael's physical therapist.
Wii therapy incorporates use of the whole body. Mr. Rincon uses it as a tool to help Michael walk, regain his balance and strengthen core muscle groups. "Wii is also a way to keep Michael entertained, keep him integrated with other kids and it helps him keep his mind off things," said Mr. Rincon. Michael's parents have noticed the immense progress Michael has been making and credits St. Mary's innovative approach. "This is one of the best things St. Mary's has introduced and it will go a long way to help kids with special needs."
Dr. Phillips recognized that the true potential of Wii therapy is not just its physical benefits but its emotional ones. St. Mary's therapists have found a way to distract kids from the challenges of rehabilitation by having them focus on fun. St. Mary's Dr. Claudia Thomas, Assistant Vice President and Medial Director of Medical Affairs, couldn't agree more and explained how Wii gives children with special needs and disabilities a sense of normalcy while allowing them to work on their rehabilitation goals.
Dr. Phillips even went a few rounds with Michael in the ever popular Wii baseball tournament, and it was then that she recognized the true potential of Wii therapy. After succumbing to his fastball, Dr. Phillips made way for some other St. Mary's inpatients, and an unforgettable Wii championship tournament ensued.
The Wii therapy segment aired on Friday, May 14, 2008 on CBS 2.
Go to this link to watch WCBS Channel 2 video:
http://wcbstv.com/video/?id=112345@wcbs.dayport.com&cid=49
St. Mary's Healthcare System for Children
St. Mary's is one of the nation's premier providers of healthcare for children with special needs and life-limiting conditions. St. Mary's provides intensive rehabilitative and specialized medical care to nearly 4,000 children each day in the New York Metropolitan region and beyond through its family-centered inpatient, home care, and community programs. For more information, visit www.stmaryskids.org.
