Wii-hab

I’ve just discovered the existence of Wii-hab – the use of the Nintendo Wii in physical and occupational therapy. The BBC Ouch blog points to a story on IEEE Spectrum of researchers who have adapted the Guitar Hero game so their patients can use it to train their ‘next generation’ prosthetic arms. These mechanical arms can be controlled by the intact nerves that controlled the amputated arm, but only after hours of repetitive – and previously tedious – training.

I wonder how far this could go. I know some disabled children and young people don’t like their physio or occupational therapy sessions, for various reasons. What if Wii games were suitable for their therapy programmes? I imagine it could lead to some reverse integration, with their non-disabled peers clamouring to have physio too!