Critical care patients are being encouraged to start their rehabilitation programme early by playing computer games.
Patients on ventilators are being encouraged to play the Wii games as part of a six month pilot study at Colchester General Hospital.
The initiative is part of a project that aims to accelerate recovery rates and establish the benefits of starting rehabilitation as soon as possible.
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Showing posts with label icu. Show all posts
Showing posts with label icu. Show all posts
Sunday, 22 January 2012
Friday, 11 November 2011
Video Games Help ICU Patients With Physical Therapy
October 11, 2011
Video Games Help ICU Patients With Physical Therapy,
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Interactive video games on consoles such as the Nintendo Wii and Wii Fit can enhance physical therapy for patients in intensive care units, according to a study published in the Journal of Critical Care, United Press International reports.
Methodology
For the one-year study, researchers from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine evaluated 22 patients ages 32 to 64 who were admitted to the hospital for cardiovascular disease, respiratory failure, sepsis or other health issues (United Press International, 10/8).
The patients participated in 42 physical therapy sessions that included 20 minutes of playing interactive video games featuring boxing, bowling, balance boards and other activities aimed at improving stamina and balance (Walker, "Picture of Health," Baltimore Sun, 10/3).
Study Findings
Researchers found that the interactive video games increased patients' interest in physical therapy (Galbraith, Examiner, 10/4). Dale Needham, senior author of the study, said, "[W]hen properly selected and supervised by experienced physical therapists, patients enjoyed the challenge of the video games and welcomed the change from their physical therapy routines" (United Press International, 10/8).
Needham added that video games are cost effective compared with other physical therapies used in ICUs. Michelle Kho, study leader, said additional research is needed to determine "what physical therapy goals best benefit from video games" (Examiner, 10/4)
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Video Games Help ICU Patients With Physical Therapy,
+/- Click for more/less
Interactive video games on consoles such as the Nintendo Wii and Wii Fit can enhance physical therapy for patients in intensive care units, according to a study published in the Journal of Critical Care, United Press International reports.
Methodology
For the one-year study, researchers from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine evaluated 22 patients ages 32 to 64 who were admitted to the hospital for cardiovascular disease, respiratory failure, sepsis or other health issues (United Press International, 10/8).
The patients participated in 42 physical therapy sessions that included 20 minutes of playing interactive video games featuring boxing, bowling, balance boards and other activities aimed at improving stamina and balance (Walker, "Picture of Health," Baltimore Sun, 10/3).
Study Findings
Researchers found that the interactive video games increased patients' interest in physical therapy (Galbraith, Examiner, 10/4). Dale Needham, senior author of the study, said, "[W]hen properly selected and supervised by experienced physical therapists, patients enjoyed the challenge of the video games and welcomed the change from their physical therapy routines" (United Press International, 10/8).
Needham added that video games are cost effective compared with other physical therapies used in ICUs. Michelle Kho, study leader, said additional research is needed to determine "what physical therapy goals best benefit from video games" (Examiner, 10/4)
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The early stage rehabilitation, which includes using weights and squeezing therapy as well as the Wii games, is now being offered to ventilated patients who are well enough to sit in a chair and breath unaided.
Specialist physiotherapist in respiratory care, Jennifer Powner, who is jointly running the pilot, said: ‘There is now a considerable amount of evidence to show that the earlier rehabilitation begins, the sooner a patient’s recovery starts and the sooner they can leave critical care. ‘Using a Wii can help this group of patients. It is a fun way to introduce and engage patients who are very poorly and anxious about their recovery to the idea of exercise.’
Chartered Society of Physiotherapy - Frontline - Robert Millett
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