Nintendo Wii - A good tool for many facets of Multiple Sclerosis
Thank you for taking the time to stop by my lens.
At first blush, you may think that the title of this lens is a far stretch! You may be wondering how a video game console could possibly do ANYTHING useful for a disease such as MS. If you give me a chance, I will share my own experience. I'll also let you know that I am NOT a video game junkie. I'm not very good at figuring out the remotes and buttons and all that. This gaming system is different. I feel that most anyone can do it. It was created with that in mind, to allow everyone to play. Play is good!
The objective of this lens will be to look at the Nintendo Wii gaming system and it's utility for fostering and enhancing movement, flexibility, balance, and cognition (memory, multi-tasking, etc.)
Although this lens mentions MS (because that is my own personal experience and journey) there are probably many other health conditions that could benefit from the same things.
I need to mention that I am NOT a physical or occupational therapist and I am NOT trained in rehab or physical medicine. This is simply my own personal experience and observation. If you have any questions or concerns, please discuss them with your doctor.
Enjoy and have fun!
Picture from http://www.mywiistory.com/What is the Nintendo Wii?
The Wii (pronounced as the pronoun "we") is the fifth home video game console released by Nintendo.A distinguishing feature of the console is its wireless controller, the Wii Remote, which can be used as a handheld pointing device and can detect motion and rotation in three dimensions. Another is WiiConnect24, which enables it to receive messages and updates over the Internet while in standby mode.
The console was known by the code name of "Revolution" until April 27, 2006, immediately prior to E3.[8] According to the Nintendo Style Guide, the name "is simply Wii, not Nintendo Wii." This means it is the first home console Nintendo has marketed outside of Japan without the company name featured in its trademark.
"Wii sounds like 'we', which emphasizes that the console is for everyone. Wii can easily be remembered by people around the world, no matter what language they speak. No confusion. No need to abbreviate. Just Wii."
Nintendo Wii Introduction
Using the Wii for physical movement and exercise ...
Who knew that exercising could be so much fun? Once you buy a Wii Gaming system, it comes packaged with Sports which is enough to get you started and getting the hang of things.While I would never purport that the Wii gaming system could be traded for a Total Gym, Treadmill or Elliptical ... I could purport that with the right combination of games and understanding (and guidance), a regimen could be developed that could offer movement and exercise to both arms and legs.
The Nintendo Wii comes pre-packaged with the game Sports. Sports is really 5 games in 1:
1. Golf
2. Boxing
3. Baseball
4. Tennis
5. Bowling
If you can get over the "anime" type of animation and characters -- you'll do fine. The images are bright and differentiated by both color and pattern (this will accommodate someone with optic nerve damage who might have some problems with colors). The characters are easily distinguishable by patterns such as stripes versus solids.
What I love so much about Wii Sports is that it offers something called a "Fitness Test". This fitness test can be performed at different times (no more than once a day). The test uses an algorithm to look at all levels of play from coordination, speed and accuracy. During the course of a "Fitness Test" you will be given tasks from the various sports (this could be boxing, bowling and golf). Once completed, an "age" is applied to you (20 years being the youngest). Over time, you can take the fitness test and watch your results. Have you grown younger or older???? Really a nice part of the game.
The movements used by players playing Wii Sports (tennis for example) do not have to be perfect and could be performed from a sitting position with some practice. In my opinion, the value of exercise and movement is better accomplished when the Sports are played in as realistic a manner as possible. That said, I am not a doctor or physical therapist -- so this should be discussed with them to find the optimal type play for you.
The Wii to exercise Memory and Cognitive Functioning
There are several games in the Wii repertoire that assist with fostering cognitive functioning. The game that I have experienced and I think does a wonderful job of it is one called Trauma Center: Second OpinionTrauma Center: Second Opinion
Product Description
The follow-up to Trauma Center - Under the Knife, this is the first surgical video game for the Nintendo Wii. Sure, we've all imagined what it would be like to become a doctor. Years of medical school, residency, and clinic duty eventually pay off in a rewarding position saving people's lives. Or, you could skip all that and just put in a few hours after dinner.
The critically acclaimed medical drama simulation is making a house call on your Wii! Dr. Derek Stiles is back, but he's not the only surgeon on call?a new player joins the team, bringing along everything the doctor ordered: difficulty modes, new surgical implements like the defibrillator, and an exciting never-before-seen conclusion. So what are you waiting for? If one dose of Trauma Center wasn't enough, it's time you got a Second Opinion!
Wii Fit
This Game and Wii Board ROCKS!
The Wii Fit is a great tool and a lot of fun for us with MS :) I, personally, am working on areas around balance since the system shows me as "unbalanced" (I could have told them that *wink*). The system amazingly tells you your BMI, weight and the way you balance yourself. It's called a body test and it is absolutely amazing ....The active-play phenomenon started by Wii Sports now spreads to your whole body thanks to the pressure-sensitive Wii Balance Board (name not final), which comes packed with Wii Fit. The board is used for an extensive array of fun and dynamic activities, including aerobics, yoga, muscle stretches and games. Many of these activities focus towards providing a "core" workout, a popular exercise method that emphasizes slower, controlled motions. Family members will have fun staying active and talking about and comparing their results and progress on a new channel on the Wii Menu.
A couple of screenshots that show players in action - please notice the balancing platform - this appears to be the main controller for this game:
You can see a video on the official Nintendo page
Nintendo Wii on Amazon
Wii Remotes on Amazon
Wii Resources & Cases on Amazon
Nintendo Wii G-pak Console Organizer Case
MODEL- 98001 VENDOR- NAKI WORLD FEATURES- Wii G-Pa more...1 point
Madrics W Console Bag - Carrying bag for game console - white - Nintendo DS, Nintendo DS Lite, Nintendo Wii
The W Console Bag is a high quality bag for the Wi more...0 points
Nintendo Wii Premium Black Game Console Organizer and Travel Case
Velcro straps securely fasten console in place for more...0 points
Games for the Wii from Amazon
Here's a list of all the Wii games I could find. Am I missing your favorite? Please add it below!
Nintendo Wii Play with Wii Remote
Wii Play collects nine quick and addictive games t more...0 points
Resident Evil 4
In Resident Evil 4 you'll know a new type of horro more...0 points
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
The Legend Of Zelda: Twilight Princess brings you more...0 points
Mario Strikers Charged
In Mario Strikers Charged, you'll join Mario and o more...0 points
Metroid Prime 3: Corruption
The Galactic Federation's Base Sector Zero is unde more...0 points
Big Brain Academy: Wii Degree
Big Brain Academy: Wii Degree tests your brains wi more...0 points
Pokemon Battle Revolution
Pokémon Battle Revolution features new action and more...0 points
The Godfather: Blackhand Edition
The Godfather: Blackhand Edition expands on the ca more...0 points
Warioware: Smooth Moves
While wandering around his home of Diamond City, W more...0 points
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 07
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2007 takes golf gaming to new more...0 points
Rayman Raving Rabbids
Rayman Raving Rabbids brings you back to the world more...0 points
Madden NFL 07
In Madden NFL 07, you'll control the running game more...0 points
Cooking Mama: Cook Off
Cooking Mama: Cook Off is a unique 2 player family more...0 points
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harr more...0 points
Madden NFL 08
Why just watch NFL football on TV when you can tak more...0 points
Excite Truck
Excite Truck brings back grand racing tradition of more...0 points
Need for Speed Carbon
In Need for Speed: Carbon, what starts in the city more...0 points
Call Of Duty 3
Call of Duty 3 delivers the intensity of World War more...0 points
Dragonball Z Budokai Tenkaichi 2
Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2 combines action more...0 points
Trauma Center: Second Opinion
The follow-up to Trauma Center - Under the Knife, more...0 points
Carnival Games
Carnival Games brings home all the excitement and more...0 points
Sonic And The Secret Rings
Sonic and the Secret Rings gives you Sonic action more...0 points
Super Monkey Ball Banana Blitz
Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz brings the fun of more...0 points
Transformers the Game
Control the outcome in the battle for Earth this s more...0 points
Rampage: Total Destruction
Rampage: Total Destruction offers a fresh take on more...0 points
Boogie (Microphone Included)
Meet the Boogs. Get ready to join in and sing-in w more...0 points
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End invites p more...0 points
Disney's High School Musical: Sing It Bundle with Microphone
Get those vocal cords ready! Based on the phenomen more...0 points
Bust A Move Bash!
Bust-A-Move Bash! brings fun and non-stop puzzle a more...0 points
Mortal Kombat Armageddon
Mortal Kombat: Armageddon celebrates the best-sell more...0 points
Avatar: The Last Airbender
Avatar: The Last Airbender is the hot new game bas more...0 points
Spongebob Squarepants Creature from the Krusty Krab
SpongeBob SquarePants: Creature from the Krusty Kr more...0 points
Marvel Ultimate Alliance
Marvel: Ultimate Alliance lets you create a four-m more...0 points
Mercury Meltdown Revolution
Mercury Meltdown Revolution lets you guide a mercu more...0 points
GT Pro Series (with wheel)
In GT Pro Series, you'll throw yourself into the f more...0 points
Chicken Shoot
Chicken Shoot is a funny shooter. Bring down horde more...0 points
Spider-Man 3
Spider-Man 3 is bigger, bolder and better action a more...0 points
Prince of Persia: Rival Swords
In Prince of Persia: Rival Swords, the Prince make more...0 points
Shrek The Third
Shrek the Third takes you into a new adventure wit more...0 points
Blazing Angels: Squadrons of WWII
Experience the thrill of flight combat using the m more...0 points
Far Cry: Vengeance
Far Cry delibers the great shooter action from the more...0 points
Rapala Tournament Fishing!
Rapala Trophies brings you authentic fishing actio more...0 points
Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam
In Tony Hawk Downhill Jam, you'll make the sparks, more...0 points
Metal Slug Anthology
Metal Slug Anthology is the definitive collection more...0 points
Kororinpa: Marble Mania
Kororinpa: Marble Mania is a fun and addictive act more...0 points
Medal of Honor: Vanguard
Medal of Honor Vanguard lets you return to the day more...0 points
Grim Adventures Of Billy & Mandy
The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy video gam more...0 points
Pinball Hall of Fame: The Williams Collection
Pinball Hall of Fame includes 10 classic Williams' more...0 points
Rayman Raving Rabbids 2
The mischievous bunnies are back in a hilarious se more...0 points
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed
The Star Wars saga will continue in Star Wars: The more...0 points
Active Life Outdoor Challenge
Outdoor Challenge offers a variety of fast-paced g more...0 points
Wii Play with Wii Remote
Wii Play collects nine quick and addictive games t more...0 points
Mercury Meltdown: Revolution
Mercury Meltdown Revolution lets you guide a mercu more...0 points
My MS Lenses
-
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) - Resources for Living with MS and Staying Well
-
I was a young 18 year old soldier in the US Army in 1983 when I can recall my first symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). What began to grip me were nebulous symptoms such as extreme fatigue, muscle spasms and vertigo. With no rhyme or r...
-
3 Wheel Rollators - Mobility with Style
-
When I saw my first 3-wheel Rollator (walker with wheels), I thought it was very cool and something I could use to afford myself a bit more mobility. You see, I have multiple sclerosis and deal with some mobility issues when put to the test of...
-
MS Fatigue
-
This lens will explore multiple sclerosis fatigue and what makes it different from other types of fatigue. My wish is to help the reader gain an understanding of the type of lassitude that can strike a person with multiple sclerosis. Than...
-
Diagnosing Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
-
Sometimes the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis can be a long journey of watchful waiting and at other times, the diagnosis appears very clear cut. The main objective of this lens is to explore the methods and means used for diagnosing multiple s...
-
MRI and MS - The role of MRI in Multiple Sclerosis
-
The MRI, MR or Magnetic Resonance Imaging machine has been critical in the early diagnosis of diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). While the MRI has been used as a diagnostic tool, it has also been helpful in understanding the...
Thanks for visiting my Guestbook ... please leave a note!
-
Reply
- cherangelry cherangelry Jun 16, 2008 @ 10:06 pm
- I want to be an Occupational Therapist, and I am definitely excited about the opportunities the Nintendo Wii brings to therapy! Great lens, thanks for sharing!
-
Reply
- JeffSp JeffSp Apr 21, 2008 @ 1:20 am
- Great lens! I own a Wii and my wife also has MS. She loves the bowling on WiiSports and I'm using the Wii to lose weight (Right now, I go between WiiSports and DanceDance Revolution-cant wait for WiiFit) Keep up the good work!! God bless you! :-)
-
Reply
- Janusz Janusz Aug 13, 2007 @ 8:47 am
- Great Lens! thanks for adding it to Squidoo Design :)
by gkygrl
(more)













































































Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by





