Fun and Games: Virtual Reality Turns the Work of Rehab into Play

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By Miki Fairley
Published in the May 2010 issue of The OandP EDGE, Your Resource for Orthotics & Prosthetics Information
http://www.oandp.com/edge/
This article reports on researching the applications of video gaming as rehabilitation tools. Three examples are given: adults with stroke, children with cerebral palsy and amputees.
As with any physical or occupational therapy, video game playing can help to show progress by stimulating the brain's natural tendency to repair itself (plasticity), and by muscle strengthening. Video games, when not too frustrating for patients, typically hold the player’s attention longer than traditional therapies. These two factors together may contribute to better functional outcomes. The author reports on improvements in hand function, speed and grip strength. Evidence strength is not rated.