Don’t let the laughter and the cheers fool you. It’s not all fun and games at Sullivan Sports Fitness and Rehabilitation, but for Shawn and his therapist, it sure seems like it.
The Nintendo Wii, a new video game system, has proven to be a helpful tool in the rehabilitation of this young man. Sullivan Sports Fitness and Rehabilitation therapists began working with Shawn several months ago using the Wii system.
In Shawn’s therapy, many times the Wii was used as a reward, not as an actual therapeutic approach. But the transforming benefits quickly became evident.
Shawn’s posture rapidly improved as he was motivated to begin standing taller, using his arms to play the games instead of holding himself up, and was able to meet his therapists’ eyes with his. This brought a huge smile to Shawn’s face.  It was easy to see that the Wii could benefit Shawn in many ways.
At Sullivan Sports Fitness and Rehabilitation, new and innovative therapy approaches are always sought out to help patients gain function in a way that is the best for the patient.  Shawn’s therapists agreed that it was time to look at the Wii as serious therapy, not just a game.
Sullivan Sports Fitness and Rehabilitation purchased a Wii Fit to target specific physical components of function like posture and balance.
Through fun, laughter, and serious competition, Shawn has become the champ of his favorite ski jump, but his body is making important changes to allow him to stand and move better.
As seen in these pictures, when Shawn began using the Wii, he needed a stander or maximal help from one or two people to play the games. Now with continued traditional therapy and the use of the Wii, Shawn is able to stand on the Wii Fit without the stander, less help, and sometimes just with a hand holding him.
Shawn still needs some assistance to mount and maintain his balance, but his skills are improving and his potential is unlimited. Who knows, the next time you see Shawn he may have mastered the ski jump, landed with perfection, and crossed the finish line as his therapists cheer him on from the sidelines.