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Published on: December 16, 2010
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Video Game Therapy in a Neurosciences Critical Care Unit: A Pilot Study
Megan Ziegler1, Sowmya Kumble2, Elizabeth K Zink3
1Megan Ziegler was a physical therapist, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, when the study was done.
Summary
Interactive video game therapy is a safe and feasible early rehabilitation strategy for critically ill neurologic patients. This pilot study found it beneficial for various recovery domains, suggesting its value in neurocritical care.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Critical Care
Background:
- Early therapeutic activity is crucial for post-stroke recovery.
- Interactive video games show promise as adjunct rehabilitation therapy.
- Critically ill patients with neurologic conditions were often excluded from such protocols.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility and safety of individualized interactive video game therapy.
- To evaluate its application in critically ill neurologic patients.
Main Methods:
- Adults in a neurosciences critical care unit were included.
- Wii sports games targeting neurologic deficits were used.
- Data on sessions, setup time, patient/staff experience, and safety were collected.
Main Results:
- Twelve sessions were completed in 9 patients (mean age 48.6 years).
- Therapy targeted coordination, balance, endurance, cognition, fine motor control, neglect, engagement, and vision.
- Average setup time was 4.7 minutes, play time 18.8 minutes; no safety issues arose.
Conclusions:
- Prescriptive interactive video game therapy is feasible and safe in neurocritical care early rehabilitation.
- It may complement existing rehabilitation for critically ill neurologic patients.
- Further validation in larger studies is warranted.
