Technology as a tool in OT

I am incredibly excited at the prospect of research in to the use of the Wii to assist stroke survivors in re-learning movement. What a great example of our need as therapists to move with the times and exploit modern technology to engage clients in meaningful, therapeutic activities. I can just visualise Mrs Jones extending her shoulder back, flexing her hip and knee and going in for that killer ‘virtual’ strike!!!!!

Examples of it’s potential rehabilitative qualities include ‘77-year old Jerry Pope, a former semi-pro tennis player. Following his stroke in June, he’s been using the Wii Tennis activity of Wii Sports and swings of the Wii Remote to help regain movement in his hands and feet, along with his balance’

He claims the Wii “is extremely motivational and gives you the illusion that you’re progressing even if you’re not, putting you in a better frame of mind”.

An opinion piece by Verdonk and Ryan ( 2008 ) asserts that occupational therapists ‘can, and should, capitilise on the opportunities offered by mainstream technology’ within everyday meaningful occupations as potential therapy tools and for use in practice environments. They suggest that technology ‘offers therapists new types of handiwork and enabling devices’ and that both occupational therapists and occupational therapy departments ’should reflect these changes and consider exchanging therapeutic cones for computer and video games consoles’.

The use of computer games in therapy appear to multi-faceted. Not only (in my opinion) are they more enjoyable and stimulating than for example the use of the therapeutic cone, their multiplayer options can be used to encourage group therapy sessions. As suggested by Verdonck and Ryan ( 2008 ) ‘competition can be an intrinsic motivator or it can be a pain distracter and increase tolerance for occupational therapy sessions’. Who knows, perhaps the next PlayStation will be able to cure cancer?

Another example of the implications of technology within the field of occupational therapy lies with the use of information and communication technology. Verdonck and Ryan ( 2008 ) demonstrate an interpretation of the Canadian Model of Occupational Performance to mainstream technology using the internet. They state that the internet ‘can be considered a virtual environment in which the person can engage in occupation’. An example is: Self care through the use of online shopping; Leisure through the use of music downloads; and Productivity through the use of buying and selling online. It is clear that the internet plays a huge role in not only improving the quality of life for those who may have limited access to their communities but also plays a huge part in facilitating functional independence. With a potentially more technologically savvy older population, is it likely that hospital assessments may eventually incorporate the persons ability to use the internet as a factor in their safe discharge home?

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ref:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-486525/Wii-games-help-stroke-v...
Verdonk and Ryan (June 2008)Mainstream Technology as an Occupational Therapy Tool: Technophobe or Technogeek? BJOT