Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Critics have long argued against the effects of video gaming. There is the typical claim that the prolonged use of video games reinforces violent behaviours among children. And, there’s the usual assertion that video gaming discourages exercise and physical activity.
With the advent of interactive video games some of these claims lose their strength. It seems that more and more benefits are being discovered through the use of the popular video game console, the Nintendo Wii. Some of these benefits include engaging seniors in social and/or physical activity, connecting stroke and spinal cord injury patients in a new form of rehab, also known as Wiihab, as well as assisting surgeons to sharpen their skills.
To add to that list, recently, the Nintendo Wii has been used for psychological experimentation. "By integrating the Nintendo Wiimote with a laboratory computer, psychologist Rick Dale and his student collaborators were able to extract rich information about a person’s reaching movements while they performed a learning task." This research provides further evidence to support the deep connection between body and mind.
Overuse of the Wii has proven to produce physical ailments similar to those acquired from real life sports, but like anything else, too much can be too much. If the Wii can increase the physical and mental alertness and strength of individuals in seniors’ residences and rehab centres or enhance surgical abilities and advance research; I’m game.
A few noteworthy articles:
Nintendo Wii With A New Mission: Wiimote As An Interface Bridging Mind and Body
Doctors use Wii games for rehab therapy after strokes, surgery
Wii gives seniors a virtual workout
Surgeons Hone Skills on Nintendo Wii
© www.mentalhealthblog.com
Learning, Mind-Body, Nintendo Wii, Psychology, Rehab, Research, Senior, Spinal Cord Injury, Stroke, Video Games
12 comments
12 comments:
Hello, thank you for your post on this important topic. What children use as a toy is essential for their development. It deserves examination.
You're right and it probably deserves more examination. It would be interesting to see more studies emphasizing the positives of gaming, even for children.
Very interesting. I think it's great to hear that the Wii can be used for such important work! Similar to the stories about people losing a lot of weight after using one.
Hi, thanks for your comment! It is kind of refreshing to hear good things about video games for once. I think it's great way to get a bit more active for both young and old.
The power of the Nintendo Wii is alive and well in my family. It's a great system and I can see how this toy is used for better mental health.
hi teasa! I've never tried the Wii, but I'd like to...right after I get over my addiction to guitar hero! Thanks for your comment.
Unlike other video games, wii allows the player to move their body. Wii is not only good for the children but also to the seniors who allow their body to exercise and likely getting them into physical activity.
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pearl
Drug Rehab Center
you got it, pearl.
It's my favorite blog :) keep it up
Thanks, Kim!
THese new video games are hard to erase for the childs memory as they have become so experienced in them that is sure is unbelievable.
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