Rehabilitate your Wii to help stroke survivors

If you recently upgraded to the Nintendo Wii U, why not donate your old Wii to stroke survivors that need the machines for rehabilitation but can’t afford them?

Stroke is the leading cause of disability worldwide. An Australian has a stroke every 10 minutes and half of all stroke survivors go on to develop severe disabilities.

Dr Penelope McNulty, a neurophysiologist at NeuRA (Neuroscience Research Australia), is desperate to acquire second-hand Wii consoles and accessories to give to stroke survivors in financial hardship, especially now as the console is being replaced by the Wii U.

Dr Penelope McNulty and a research participant

Dr McNulty is a pioneer of Wii-Based Movement Therapy – an intensive, 10 day training program using the Wii that results in significant improvements in the way stroke patients are able to use their arms and legs.

There are over 60,000 strokes in Australia each year and there is a crucial need to improve rehabilitation methods because this is the only method known to restore movement in stroke-affected limbs, ” says Dr McNulty.

The Wii is inexpensive, easy to use and, very importantly, fun. This type of rehabilitation motivates participants to actually complete their therapy, which is essential for maximum recovery,” she says.

Following a stroke, many people are unable to work and their partners often become the carer and are also unable to work – this results in financial hardship.

As the Wii U is phased in, I’m hoping people will donate their old consoles and accessories, so stroke survivors that want to do this therapy but can’t afford a Wii, can begin the long road to recover,” Dr McNulty says.

To learn more about donating your Wii or supporting this research click here or contact Dr Penelope McNulty on 02 9399 1271 or email hidden; JavaScript is required.

30 January 2013

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