Wii used as therapy for wounded troops

by David Hinkle { Jun 14th 2007 at 3:20PM }

So, not only is the Wii being used in retirement homes, but now the U.S. Army is utilizing the console to aid in the recovery of wounded soldiers. The best part? It's mandatory for them to play. It's their doctor's orders that every week they engage in playing with the Wii. We need a doctor like that, who could write us prescriptions for 10 hours of Mario Party 8 or an hour of Wii Sports every 4 hours.

Of course, it's not all just fun and games, as the piece focuses on Army Spc. Shawn Roberts, who sustained several injuries in a vehicular accident in Kuwait last April. Not only does it help Shawn be active, it's a lot more fun and engaging than normal physical therapy. "You know, it's a video game. How much could it really do? But you don't notice it while you're doing it because your mind's on the game. But then when you're done? I was sore," says Shawn.

Hopefully, this will catch on and we'll see more physical therapy sessions involving the participation of the Wii.

[Thanks, Angel!]

Tags: nintendo, nintendowii, wii, wiisports

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

hvnlysoldr @ Jun 14th 2007 3:40PM

Thus playing with you Wii shall become mandatory Phys. Ed material in schools.

Will @ Jun 14th 2007 8:13PM

Being a gamer and a former soldier, this makes me all warm and fuzzy. That is a truly great thing for those guys.

steve @ Jun 14th 2007 11:56PM

gotta spread the love some how

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http://www.howtogetfreewiipoints.com

tiamat1990 @ Jun 16th 2007 4:06AM

"10 hours of Mario Party 8"
Sounds like hell.

James @ Jun 16th 2007 12:22PM

Glad to see they're catching on -- most of the troops over there probably grew up with games, like most of our readers here. It's good to take advantage of that like this.

Aside: If my gym class had been been half an hour of DDR followed by 3 games of Wii Tennis, I might not be such a lazy fatass today. Good show.