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List of Wii Games That Aid in Physical Therapy

With the constantly changing and evolving field of technology, many physical therapists are looking for ways to treat their patients more efficaciously. Since its release in 2006, the Nintento Wii has changed not only the face of video gaming, but the world of physical therapy. Many physical therapy facilities are now using the system as a form of treatment with patients since the console's interactive gameplay allows individuals to become more focused on the game than the condition they are treating.

Guitar Hero
- With 20 versions of the game available, Guitar Hero can provide hours of varied physical therapy, combined with the fun of playing. Guitar Hero can improve the player's concentration and coordination skills, as well as aid in improving hand movement. The game's World Tour version allows therapists to work with patients as a group, each playing a different instrument in the game. Players must match the notes on screen to the colored buttons on the guitar in time with the music. The game also mimics the features of playing an actual guitar, with challenges involving fast movement and altering the pitch of the notes. Additional versions of the game give therapists a number of options to choose when treating patients.
Dance Dance Revolution
- Physical therapists working with patients who have difficulties with their legs and mobility can use Dance Dance Revolution as a fun way of improving reflexes, coordination and lower body movement. The game has a number of versions available to choose from, allowing therapists to select the level that best suits each patient. Players move their feet to a set pattern that appears on the screen by stepping on the provided dance pad. Modifications to the game are available that allow users to slow the speed, and nonstop play options keep the player moving.
Wii Sports
- With five different options available for players to choose from, Wii Sports is a game that any patient can benefit from playing. Wii Sports offers tennis, golf, bowling, boxing and baseball, with the game's remote designed to mimic the actions of playing the sports. The games can be used to improve arm movement; baseball encourages players to both swing and pitch harder while tennis requires hand/eye coordination to keep up with the movement of the ball. Bowling, boxing and golf require players to control their movements to stay in line with the game. Wii Sports comes standard with any Wii purchase, making it one of the first steps in using the Wii platform in physical therapy.

Nintendo Wii