Published: May 25, 2007 11:39 pm      

Stroke patients go Wii at Riley Hospital

Just a week after suffering a stroke, Walter Rowry is not only up and around, but he is also playing video games.

“This is fun, I could play all day,” said Rowry as he bowls a perfect game on a Nintendo Wii (pronounced “we”) at Riley Hospital’s Tom C. Maynor Rehabilitation Center.

“My arm’s a little stiff, but it’s loosening up,” Rowry says as he continues to maneuver the Wii wand through a series of games.

The gaming console has been incorporated into the center’s rehab program for patients who have suffered a stroke. The idea was suggested by Dr. Janet Coyle, a hospitalist at Riley.

“Dr. Coyle got one (Wii) for Christmas and after playing on it for awhile, she realized that it would be wonderful for our stroke patients,” said Ben Rucks, director of rehabilitation services at Riley.

Since its introduction, the gaming console has been credited for helping people lose weight — a Wii Workout book is in the works according to an article in Time magazine — and is being used by medical researchers to treat children who suffer from hemiplegic cerebral palsy, a condition that can paralyze one side of the body.

“Unlike other video games — which only use the thumbs — the Wii requires use of the whole body, balance and hand-eye coordination,” Rucks said. “This is especially ideal for stroke patients in their recovery.”

The gaming device was recently purchased by the Meridian Stroke Support and Education Group in observance of Stroke Awareness Month.

“I’m so pleased about the advances that have been in treating stroke patients,” said Maynor, a stroke survivor who serves as president of the group. “And I am especially pleased that those in the Meridian area no longer have to go far for treatment; they can get it right here.”

According to Deanna Cornish, marketing director, Riley Hospital has the only accreditated acute rehabilitate unit within a 90-mile radius of Meridian.

In addition to bowling, the gaming console also features baseball, fishing, boxing and tennis. Cornish said other programs will be added, including those that will appeal more to female patients.

“We could have stroke patients string beads or do this to regain their strength and mobility,” Cornish said. “This is a more fun way for them to do this.”