ADVANCE Perspective: Physical Therapy : Rehabilitation

Magazine Content – We Need your Input

Elizabeth Puliti — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:33:00 GMT

As most of our readers know by now, our monthly magazine ADVANCE for Directors in Rehabilitation has ceased publication, and has been merged with the newly rebranded ADVANCE for Physical Therapy & Rehab Medicine. The new magazine, still distributed...(read more)

Wii for the World Record

Elizabeth Puliti — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:17:00 GMT

The top story on CNNhealth.com today reads, "Seniors Wii bowl for world record and for health." According to the Guinness World Records, a world record was recently set in Houston, TX--for the world's largest senior citizen Wii bowling tournament! The...(read more)

CT Nursing Home Lawsuits Involve Lack of PT

Lauren Fritsky — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 15:31:00 GMT

There's an interesting story out of Connecticut from this weekend. It involves a nursing home facing lawsuits for neglecting two patients, both of whom died. In the first, part of the argument is that the client did not receive "medically necessary physical...(read more)

A ‘Wii’ Bit of Research

Elizabeth Puliti — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 16:01:00 GMT

Preview: CSM 2009

It seems PTs across the country recognize the physical therapy benefits of the Nintendo Wii gaming system--and finally there is proof of these benefits. A case study from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey is believed to be the first published research using the Wii for rehabilitation.

In the study, a 13-year-old male patient with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy participated in 11 training sessions over a four-week period. Each session lasted 60 to 90 minutes and incorporated Wii sports games software, such as boxing, tennis, bowling and golf.

The report noted measured improvements in visual-perceptual processing, postural control and functional mobility.

"This case study shows that the Wii may give us additional tools to complement the standard of care, perhaps make it more diverse," said Judith E. Deutsch, PT, PhD, lead researcher of the study, in a press release.

On Wednesday, February 11, from 1:00 to 3:45 p.m., Dr. Deutsch and others will present "Technology SIG Feature Programming: The Use of the Wii and Related Technology in Physical Therapy" at CSM.

For the last eight years, Dr. Deutsch's work has concentrated on virtual reality-based stroke rehabilitation.

Have you used the Nintendo Wii, or a similar gaming system, in your treatment? If so, what was your experience?

Find Us on Facebook!

Elizabeth Puliti — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 14:50:00 GMT

ADVANCE for Physical Therapists & PT Assistants created a page on the popular social networking site Facebook. This brand new PT community is just for you. Share your photos/videos, talk with other PTs through our discussion boards and check in for the latest news and announcements from ADVANCE.

Join the group and become a fan today!

Virtual Fitness

Lauren Fritsky — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 14:16:00 GMT

Nintendo’s newly released “Wii Fit” is creating a buzz in the health care community. Many professionals champion the system, saying it can help young and old alike get healthy.

Though it offers activities and sports like the regular “Wii” does, “Wii Fit” goes a step further by using a wireless board to measure weight, height, Body Mass Index (BMI) and balance. The idea is that users can make sure they’re moving in the right way and also measure their fitness progress. The board can also be used for stretching and other activities. The rehab possibilities speak for themselves.

Would you consider using a video game system like “Wii Fit” with your clients? What do you think its pros and cons are?