Video games like Wii are being used to help patients with everything from Alzheimer's to coordination problems.
It's fun, but does it really help?
Now, for the first time, researchers say they have the answer.
After a paralyzing neck injury, Benjamin Norris is learning to move his arms again.
Judy Kramer fell and broke both arms. Diabetic neuropathy causes her to lose her balance.
Sharon Eshelman has Guillain-Barre Syndrome. Her muscles are weak.
Now each does "Wii-hab."
In what may be the first study of its kind, researchers analyzed 50 different Wii games and found a high correlation between movements used in the games and life tasks.
"The game boxing, the upper cut task, correlates specifically with feeding yourself. Hand-to-mouth pattern, bowling and hair combing," said Kimberly Briggs, occupational therapist.
Not long ago, Benjamin couldn't lift a fork.
Computerized motion analysis showed the boxing game could help.
A tilt table game activates and builds core muscle groups to help Sharon strengthen her midsection.
"I used to be a cross-country skier, and this is pretty close," said Wii-hab patient Judy Kramer.
This skiing game develops core and leg strength to help Judy walk safely again.
"I think that using gaming platforms, not for games, but for therapy itself will be the wave of the future," said Dr. Marshall Smith, System Director of Simulation and Innovation, Banner Health.
Who knew getting healthier could be this much fun?
Though researchers studied existing games, the goal is to develop even better ones to maximize the benefits for patients.
Most of the participants also saw their depression levels drop to zero. 60 percent of them went out and bought a Wii for themselves after the study was over.
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