PRESS RELEASE
WII FIT PROGRAM ENHANCES REHABILITATION PROGRAM FOR SINAI PATIENTS
Stoughton , MA - Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists at New England Sinai Hospital are now using the popular Nintendo Wii Fit video program to help patients recovering from strokes, complex medical and pulmonary illnesses get the maximum benefit from their rehabilitation therapies. “Offering Wii Fit to our patients enhances our comprehensive and successful rehabilitation program by incorporating the latest technological advances in treatment,” says Lester P. Schindel, Sinai President and CEO. “Plus, for patients working to improve and master their balance, movement, strength and stamina, rehab is hard work! The Wii adds interest and fun,” he says. Sinai patients began using the standard Wii game in mid 2008.
Both the Wii and Wii Fit are effective in helping patients who have problems with balance, both standing and seated, coordination and perception. “Wii offers our patients an opportunity to ‘play’ an interactive electronic game, while helping them stay motivated,” said Sinai’s Director of Physical Therapy & Occupational Therapy Davida Haas, PT, DPT.
Engaging patients and keeping them motivated to work on their recovery is key and Wii can help. Sinai Physical Therapist Belle Florek, PT noted that a woman who arrived at Sinai after a lengthy acute care hospitalization was depressed and had a hard time engaging in rehab therapy. But when she was brought to the hospital’s Occupational and Physical Therapy Gym and saw a golf game playing on the Wii, she responded with interest and began participating in her rehab regimen. “She had been an ardent golfer for most of her life and the Wii golf program turned out to be a great fit for her,” Florek said. A Wii boxing program has also been helpful for stroke patients who need to work on seated balance, shifting their weight and using upper extremities to perform various movements. “The boxing program helps make these therapy exercises fun and empowering,” added Florek.
Working with their therapists in a safe and supervised environment, the Sinai patients who will stand to benefit most from using the new Wii Fit video and balance pad are those who have progressed far enough along in their recovery to master the hand control and balance skills needed to use the game. Florek thinks both Wii programs make a real difference in keeping Sinai patients engaged in their rehab programs and may facilitate a faster recovery for some.
Wii Fit has been used successfully at several hospitals around the country, including Walter Reed Army Medical Center, WakeMed Health in Raleigh, N.C., St. Francis Hospital in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., among others.
The Department of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Services at New England Sinai Hospital has earned certificates of excellence from Focus On Therapeutic Outcomes, Inc. (FOTO™) for 11 consecutive quarters. FOTO certifications are presented to only a select group of providers across the country to recognize the excellence achieved in effectiveness of treatment during the past twenty-four months. As a nationwide outcomes database and reporting service for healthcare providers, FOTO outcomes data are beneficial because they provide a benchmark measure for overall quality and value of the services offered by an organization
New England Sinai Hospital is a 212-bed, non-sectarian, not-for-profit, long-term acute-care hospital with its main campus in Stoughton, MA and inpatient satellite units at Tufts-New England Medical Center in Boston and Caritas Carney Hospital in Dorchester. Recognized as a regional leader in pulmonary, medically complex and acute rehabilitation care, Sinai also offers a wide range of outpatient programs and services. Sinai is a teaching affiliate of Tufts University School of Medicine.
Contact:
Carole Herrup
Public Relations Director
New England Sinai Hospital
150 York Street
Stoughton, MA 02072
Tel. 781-297-1329
FAX: 781-297-7509