Why use video games in Physiotherapy?
Video games can be an effective and attractive tool in physiotherapy, as they help patients in their rehabilitation by making exercises more interactive and enjoyable.
Not only with children, but also with adults or even geriatric patients video games can be used in physiotherapy sessions.
Here are some ideas, we review the advantages and limitations of using commercial games in physical therapy.
Which video games can I use in Physiotherapy?
Here are some popular video games and systems used in physiotherapy. We can distinguish between common video games that are not specific for rehabilitation and specific video games (serious games) that have been designed with a therapeutic purpose.
Commercial video games, not specific to rehabilitation
Nintendo Wii / Wii Fit
– Wii Sports: Games such as bowling, tennis and boxing can help improve balance, coordination and strength.
– Wii Fit: Includes balance games, yoga and strength training exercises that can be customised to suit individual therapeutic needs.
Nintendo Switch / Ring Fit Adventure
– Ring Fit Adventure: Combines a fitness role-playing game (RPG) with physical exercises. The game involves using a resistance ring and leg strap to perform exercises, targeting different muscle groups.
– Fitness Boxing: A rhythm-based game that encourages upper body movements, helping to rehabilitate arms and shoulders.
Virtual reality (VR) games
– Beat Saber: A rhythm game that requires upper body movements and can be used to improve coordination and reaction time.
– Superhot VR: Encourages slow, deliberate movements, which can help improve motor control and balance.
– VirZOOM: A VR cycling game that can be paired with exercise bikes, useful for lower body strengthening and cardiovascular conditioning.
Xbox Kinect
– Kinect Sports: Offers a variety of sports games that encourage full-body movement, useful for improving coordination and balance.
– Just Dance: A dance game that encourages cardiovascular exercise and coordination.
Specific video games for rehabilitation
Many professionals are unaware that there are specific video games for rehabilitation.
These are programmes developed for clinical use, with defined therapeutic objectives that use play to enhance motivation.
They use technology from the video game industry but go much further by being more user-friendly, allowing personalisation of activities and collecting automatic records that analyse the patient’s evolution.
What are the limitations of the use of video games in Physiotherapy?
The use of video games in physiotherapy has many benefits, but also has limitations that must be considered to ensure that they are effective and safe. Here are some of the main limitations:
Lack of personalisation
- Limited Adaptability: Some video games cannot be sufficiently customised to meet the specific needs of individual patients, such as the level of difficulty or the selection of appropriate therapeutic movements.
- Patient diversity: Patients with different medical conditions or mobility levels may find it difficult to adjust games to their abilities, which can lead to a lack of effectiveness.
Limitations in assessment and monitoring
- Difficult Monitoring: Video games may not provide an accurate assessment of the patient’s performance or progress, which can make it difficult to adjust the treatment plan.
- Inadequate feedback: Most video games are not designed to provide the specific and detailed feedback that a physiotherapist could provide during conventional therapy or using professional software.
Psychological or cultural aspects
- Individual Preferences: Not all patients enjoy or are comfortable using video games, especially those who are unfamiliar with technology.
- Stigmatisation: Some patients may perceive the use of video games in therapy as childish or unserious, which may affect their engagement in treatment.
There are other aspects to be taken into account, such as the risk of injury as it is not a product designed for rehabilitation.
However, despite these limitations, video games can be a valuable tool in physiotherapy when used appropriately and as a complement to traditional methods, always under the supervision of a trained professional.
Do you know the specific video games?
Physiotherapy-specific video games are designed to maximise therapeutic benefits, offer personalisation, and ensure patient safety, aspects that standard video games cannot guarantee due to their primary focus on entertainment.
