Back in July, we brought you the story of a teen undergoing what we referred to as Wii-Hab.

Now,  a case study from the  University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) focuses on using the Nintendo Wii for rehabilitation of cerebral palsy.  
This is believed to be the first published research showing physical therapy benefits resulting from use of the  popular gaming system.
 
According to a press release by UMBNJ:
"In this case study, the patient was a 13-year-old male with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy. In a school-based setting, he participated in 11 training sessions, over a four-week period, using the Wii while continuing to receive physical and occupational therapy. The sessions were each between 60 and 90 minutes long and used the Wii sports games software, which offers boxing, tennis, bowling, and golf. He trained in both standing and sitting positions."

Researchers report, “Improvements in visual-perceptual processing, postural control, and functional mobility were measured after training”.

While the Wii complements physical therapy, it is not expected to take the place of traditional therapy practices.

An article, reporting the case study results, will be published in the October print issue of the American Physical Therapy Association’s journal Physical Therapy.
 
This is the video report we brought you earlier this year. 
It explains how this Wii gaming system and other virtual technology is being used in rehabilitation.
 
 
 
 
Additional articles on how 'toys' are being used in CP therapy: