For years, parents have disparaged video games for not encouraging physical activity. New systems and advancements, like the Nintendo Wii and Xbox 360 Kinect, integrate the player’s physical movements into the gameplay. A recent study conducted at the University of Toronto suggests that active video games (AVGs) have development benefits for children with cerebral palsy.
“[AVGs] provide a low-cost, commercially available system that can be strategically selected to address specific therapeutic goals,” said Elaine Biddiss, lead investigator of the study. “While our results did not show that AVG game play can be regarded as a replacement for more vigorous physical activity or muscle strengthening, we found that some games may provide targeted therapy focused on specific joints or movements.”
Researchers studied 17 children with cerebral palsy as they played games like Wii Bowling, Wii Tennis, Wii Boxing and Dance Dance Revolution. Games like Wii Boxing helped children engage both arms of their body, which is beneficial for children with hemiplegia, a type of cerebral palsy that affects the limbs on one side of the body. The children also found the games a fun, rewarding experience. This enjoyment could improve neuroplasticity and encourage frequent rounds of AVG-related physical therapy.
Analyses of the study reaffirm that AVGs are not a replacement for other forms of physical therapy, but they are a fun, affordable way for children with cerebral palsy to improve muscle movement and stay active. Many trainers have used the Wii for physical therapy, and it only makes sense that children with cerebral palsy could reap the same benefits.
Cappolino Dodd Krebs LLP – cerebral palsy attorneys
