Wii Help Stroke Patients

Stroke patients at University Hospital of North Staffordshire will soon be using the Nintendo Wii console help their rehabilitation. The console has been marketed for people of all ages and over six million of the consoles have been sold in the UK. Now occupational therapists on the Stroke Ward at University Hospital will be using the technology to help patients improve their mobility.

Dr Christine Roffe, consultant stroke physician, is delighted stroke patients will feel the benefits. She said "It was the occupational therapists that suggested this and we thought it was a good idea. It helps our patients in rehabilitation as it encourages arm movements and it also helps the patients' balance and gait. Our staff have seen it being used in patient rehabilitation before so it was only natural to give stroke patient the option to use it. On top of this the Wii will help the patients to do exercise and hopefully enjoy themselves in the process."

Dr Roffe believes the physical and emotional benefits will be plain to see. She said: "Some patients do go home in just a few hours but other may be on a ward for a few weeks. It really will lighten the mood of patients and maybe prevent boredom. Many of our patients may have the opportunity to continue this sort of activity at home if their children or grandchildren have got the technology. I think most stroke patients in hospitals across the country will be using technology like this in the future so it is important we embrace it at University Hospital now."

The consoles have been purchased through donations by patients and contributions to the Trust's Charitable Fund. The Acute Stroke Unit's rehabilitation teams received praise last year because of their efforts to help limit the long term damage from an acute stroke. 

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