Nintendo Wii Helps Kids with CP

July 10th, 2008 Posted in News, Resources/Support

Across the pond in England, a new pioneering therapy has been developed to treat children with cerebral palsy. Children with cerebral palsy are being encouraged to play computer games. Ten families are taking part in the therapy trials using specially-written software and hi-tech Nintendo Wii remote controls. The research project aims to improve muscle movement and hand-eye coordination in a fun way so youngsters can receive treatment for brain damage as they play.

Professor Janet Eyre, scientist at the Cerebral Palsy Research and Therapy Centre, at the Sir James Spence Institute, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle, has already noted improvements. She believes the project is proving a good way to improve movement and coordination in children. “We want it to be frequent, fun and fresh to make their two hands and eyes work together,” she said. “This takes it away from being an activity; the brain reacts differently to fun ways of learning. As they play, it teaches them to use their brain and hands together.”

The therapy works by having the children use both Nintendo Wii controllers and a laptop with games programmed so that, in order to play, they must use both hands. Games differ to those available commercially as they are not as fast paced and complicated. One game, Sunset, uses bubbles rising out of the water with the aim of bursting as many as possible before the sun sets. As you advance, the levels become more challenging. Research has shown that children are then encouraged to use their weaker hand and there is an improvement in coordination. Janice Pearse, occupational therapist for the Cerebral Palsy Research and Therapy Centre, said, “We have found that this is much more motivational and enjoyable for them than conventional therapy, and that if they enjoy doing something, they will continue doing it.”

Nine-year old Chloe Allan has already seen an improvement in her condition. Diagnosed with hemiplegic cerebral palsy, she has a difficult time controlling her movement. However, the computer game is helping Chloe with her movement and is allowing her to play with her family. Her mother Marie said, “She is getting a lot better at it and is more aware of her left side than she was.” Marie added, “The fact that her brother Kalvin can play with her is also great and she is able to beat him at them too.”

For Full Article, Click Here.