Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when sudden trauma, such as from a blow to the head, damages the brain. The severity of the symptoms depends on the extent of the damage; with severe TBI, the patient can have severe mental and physical deficits. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) says rehabilitation for TBI includes "physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech/language therapy, physiatry (physical medicine), psychology/psychiatry and social support." Many therapists are looking into using the Nintendo Wii as therapy, as it is not only engaging but also combines many rehabilitation options.
Physical Benefits
Liza Jochem, a speech therapist and author of the the article "Using Nintendo Wii in Therapy," says "the Wii is able to blend exercise and physical activity with video games." Many games for the Wii require coordination and other physical skills. The author lists a hula hoop game and a tennis game as two options for TBI patients: the hula hoop game emphasizes balance, while the tennis game combines coordination, upper body use and shifting weight with the lower body. The Wii also allows the patient to set goals and receive encouragement. The therapist can adjust the game to account for a slower time or limited mobility as the patient begins the program. Nabila Enam and Doreen Turner, occupational therapists and authors of "Nintendo Wii as a Modality in TBI Rehabilitation," add that patients receive immediate feedback from the game, which can be encouraging, and that the Wii is a great way to introduce new exercises to patients.
Neurological Benefits
The Nintendo Wii also provides some neurological rehabilitation benefits for TBI patients, though these are fewer than the physical benefits. According to Enam and Turner, the most noticeable neurological benefit is sustained attention: since patients are focusing on a task that is appealing to them, they are more likely to pay closer attention to it. The authors present accounts of individual rehabilitation cases showing that Wii games also helped with visual motor integration and decision making.
Other Therapeutic Benefits
The other therapeutic benefits of the Wii do not target weakness caused by the injury, but rather provide motivation to the patient to continue therapy. According to Jochem, TBI rehabilitation with the Wii results in a boost in confidence and self-esteem, as well as in socialization if the therapy involves multiple patients. Enam and Turner add that use of the Wii increases patients' anticipation regarding future therapy sessions.
