Video games have a tendency to become monotonous too...but I dunno, I haven't seen how they factored this into rehab first-hand or anything. If it works, then thats all that really matters...

Well I guess we have gone full circle now:

The 360 is a heart monitor and helps detects defects.

The PS3 helps in understanding protein misfolding and other diseases.

The Wii provides physical therapy.

...oh wait...I guess we have our portable handhelds now...

This really is an interesting article. I had never thought about the WII being used as a therapy instrument. Now I just have one question. Why hadn't they thought of this before I severly damaged my wrist!? I could have been playing video games as part of my recovery!

General Thrax:
This really is an interesting article. I had never thought about the WII being used as a therapy instrument. Now I just have one question. Why hadn't they thought of this before I severly damaged my wrist!? I could have been playing video games as part of my recovery!

Ahh. it's not that bad. You'd probably just be playing the shitty games. Like how everyone still plays Wii Sports. For some reason...

Onyx Oblivion:
Ahh. it's not that bad. You'd probably just be playing the shitty games. Like how everyone still plays Wii Sports. For some reason...

Hey, leave the fanboy-trolling out of this. The basis of the article is "video games help w/ therapy." There's plenty of other threads here to bash the Wii in.

Just sayin'.

darrinwright:

Onyx Oblivion:
Ahh. it's not that bad. You'd probably just be playing the shitty games. Like how everyone still plays Wii Sports. For some reason...

Hey, leave the fanboy-trolling out of this. The basis of the article is "video games help w/ therapy." There's plenty of other threads here to bash the Wii in.

Just sayin'.

I thought s/he was just making a joke, myself.

But; what I like about this article is the potential practical implications for videogames. While this article is a little personal, it brings in enough outside information from other caregivers to demonstrate how important it is to provide different ways for patients to recover from surgery. Not everyone can or will respond to traditional methods of recovery so if something like this can be helpful then I figure that's awesome.

Ha, very nice. I have to say,

Getting back into shape after the surgery was especially tricky, since he ardently refused to join a gym.

I would also rather wither away than join a gym. I worked out at one for a few years, and it's the most boring activity I've ever taken place in. And I actually enjoy my boring, repetitive work, so that's saying a lot. Still can't get my head around the fact that people like it.

BehattedWanderer:
Video games have shown to be related to increased dopamine levels?
WHOO!! :D Yay! Scientific proof that video games make you happy!
And I'm glad your dad is doing well after surgery.

Eh, anything that makes you happy increases your dopamine levels, from chocolate to cocaine. It's been known for decades.

And I'm glad your dad is doing well after surgery, as well... any cancer that can be safely removed from the body could have been much worse, no matter how bad it ended up being.

I was thinking of buying a Wii for my mother. She's only 50, but she's already had a knee and a hip replaced (due to rheumatoid arthritis). Would anyone know if this would be a suitable gift or where I could find information on that? I'd hate to buy her a Wii only to find out that the various activities it provides would cause her to move in ways that would further damage her joints.