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

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.