To: Media
From: George Nigh Rehab Center
Beverly Walker, Marketing
756-9211
Beverly-walker@ouhsc.edu
Date:
Subject: Is It Rehab or Wii-hab?
Welcome to GNRC Rehab. Grab your video game controller and get started!
Wii-hab is a growing trend across the country. Rehabilitation professionals have begun to
realize that physical therapy isn’t that much fun and have decided to do something about it. With help
from the GNRC dedicated Volunteers, a Nintendo Wii and video monitor was purchased for the patients
rehab therapy. The Wii is a revolutionary new gaming system that has quickly surpassed the
stereotypical teen gaming set and has become a favorite of all ages and a unique and rewarding gaming
experience for people of all ages and abilities.
Rehabilitation therapy is an integral part of the recovery for those suffering from chronic
debilitating diseases, accident injuries and medical conditions such as strokes. But rehab therapy
involves routine, repetitive, and boring exercises such as stretching, lifting, and balancing- physical tasks
that many patients find stressful and tedious.
GNRC Rehab department is changing all that. Using the game consoles motion sensitive
controller, Wii games such as tennis, golf and bowling require the player to use the actual movements
required in the actual sport. That is to say, the gamer (patient) must perform an actual tennis serve or
golf swing for the game to work properly. The Wii gaming system is so engrossing, that patients often
forget the pain while they’re playing the game.
Darla Kinsey a current GNRC