Virtual reality in rehabilitation: WIITM as an occupational therapy tool in patients with spinal cord injuries

Authors

  • Fundación del Lesionado Medular

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17411/jacces.v4i3.54

Keywords:

Spinal cord injury, Nintendo Wii™, rehabilitation, Occupational Therapy

Abstract

The use of virtual reality has gained importance in the rehabilitation sector over the last few years. The Wii™ console complements traditional treatment by exercising the motor skills in a motivating context, which is important in long-term interventions, such as spinal cord injury. Objectives: to describe our work with the Wii™ console and the different support products used in occupational therapy at the Fundación del Lesionado Medular, and to discuss advantages and disadvantages. Method: 63 patients with spinal cord injury (of whom 46 with quadriplegia and 17 with paraplegia), treated over the period of one year in weekly 30-minute sessions. Results: motor-skill improvements, more involvement of the patients in the treatment. Conclusion: the features of the console and the support products created by our department make the Wii™ accessible to patients, increase their motivation and enrich the treatment.

Author Biography

Fundación del Lesionado Medular

Department of Research & TrainingArea of Psychology

Downloads

Published

2014-10-16

How to Cite

del Lesionado Medular, F. (2014). Virtual reality in rehabilitation: WIITM as an occupational therapy tool in patients with spinal cord injuries. Journal of Accessibility and Design for All, 4(3), 223–237. https://doi.org/10.17411/jacces.v4i3.54