Wii Have A Problem
For those of you who have energetically taken on the Wii in your PT armementarium, beware!
Make sure it comes with extra professional liability insurance.
Appears to be the next generation of blackberry thumb.
For more information, go to the blog that is committed to bringing you up to date news on gaming violence.
Wii and PT to me is a dangerous fad. Basically we are suggesting to the paying public that in order to provide a skilled intervention we may need to use a devise which was manufactured by non-PT's for entertaiment purposes.
It is a gimmick, and though a skilled PT can probably judiciously apply integrate the Wii into a rehab plan of care, especially a home program; how about a skilled exercise instruction with possibly a video of the patient performing ideal exercise/movement patterns for home. KISS
The skill in PT management of MSK dysfunction is the PT, not the tools we employ. Do we not remember how the MRI was going to solve all our diagnostic dilemmas, look where that got us with low back pain. How about radiographs for identifying the cause of neck pain, isokinetic machines for patients to sit on and complete execises following pac-man on a screen etc.
By enthusiastically embracing Wii 'technology' into PT patient management, I believe some of us are passively telling the public that up until now we did not have the skills necessary to help people move properly. Perhaps we can use an electric toothbrush to work on shoulder proprioception....
Many may of noticed that as PT interventions have become more skilled, the tools we use (excluding our hands) have simplified. Not a lot of technology in a therapy ball, a plinth, a tissue augmentation blade but increasing skill in hands on care, case managment, differential diagnosis, patient education and continual re-assessment driven by that which matters most, the PT's brain.
What happens if the in clinic Wii breaks down, can the patient log online for help.
Cameron
Posted by: Cameron MacDonald | February 24, 2008 at 03:57 PM
I do think the Wii has been good at least at getting more people talking about Physical Therapy. However, we need to be specific to the public in mentioning what our justification for using it and the goals we are trying to achieve.
Posted by: Jason | February 26, 2008 at 10:46 PM
So as awareness of physical therapists may be occurring because of Wii, what impression is created? All news isn't good news, in my opinion.
Posted by: Selena Horner | February 27, 2008 at 06:43 AM