Clients perspectives

A fundamental consideration is, to be aware of the patients belief, as to whether or not they will find it meaningful, view how this will help them improve hand function in the affected arm, and see the transference from virtual reality to implementing activities of daily living. 
I did see progressive functional improvements from patients, particularly their upper limb movements as they found playing games less frustrating and had more success using their affected limb, and wanted to participate. 

An experienced clinician (personal communication, June 5, 2013) justifies why occupational therapists should use Wii games as part of patients rehabilitation and had an informal conversation with four patients on her ward.

*'Mr B' stated “it showed me that I can take control of the hand controller without me having the full use of my hand, and I enjoyed socializing with other patients and staff”.

*'Mrs C' stated “ I could see the benefits of repetition and practice when doing my activities of daily living”.

*'Miss J' stated “initially I didn’t really want to do it, I thought it would be too hard, but I proved myself wrong. I got better as time went on, and I think it was practice that made me get better”.   

*'Mr C' stated "I realized that after a while that I was developing four movement skills. I finally finished up with the challenge of using all the movements on one game".

An experienced clinician (personal communication, June 5, 2013) believes these findings are valid and reliable. She had currently been working with these patients from four to twelve weeks. 

Through analysis of articles from Lewis, Woods, Rosie, & McPherson, (2011) and Mouawad, Doust, Max, & McNaulty, (2011) and my own experiences on placement, I believe their evidence is extremely valid and trustworthy. Evidence from Lewis et al. (2011) and Mouawad et al. (2011) indicates that patients reported an increase in arm function following their participation, and found playing the Wii games good value as they did extra physiotherapy and occupational therapy, leading to more benefits gained with hand movements. 

The first American 'YouTube' video clearly demonstrates why occupational therapists use Wii games as an intervention in stroke rehabilitation. It shows patients sitting, standing, using arms, legs, balance and muscles and not realizing they are doing it, or that occupational therapists are providing a therapy for them and working on function and balance.

The second American 'YouTube' video is from a stroke patients perspective of playing Wii games. It states through practice this patient developed extra strength, and improved function in her affected arm.

Did you find these 'YouTube' videos interesting? Personally I found these videos very educational. It is fascinating to see how technology keeps evolving to work with individuals that have suffered from a stroke.

*(Pseudonym's have been used for client's names).


References


Lewis, G., Woods, C., Rosie, J., & McPherson, K. (2011). Virtual reality

games for rehabilitation of people with stroke: Perspectives from the users. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 6(5), 453-463. 

Mayo-Clinic. (2011, January 1). Wii-Hab Mayo Clinic [video file]. Retrieved

from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dS9oAMsuZLc.

Mouawad, M., Doust, C., Max, M., & McNulty, P. (2011). Wii based

movement therapy to promote improved upper extremity function post stroke: A pilot study. Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, (43), 527-533.

Strokepatients. (2008, January 15). Stroke patients being helped by nintendo wii.

[video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=V8L_FB9oWws.

Strokevictims. (2013). Evil controllers. Retrieved from http://www.evil

controllers.com/evilblog/wpcontent/uploads/2011/05/accessible-gaming-computer-video-games-stroke-patients-recovery-evil-controllers.jpg.