Perhaps to the chagrin of many parents, several studies have surfaced in recent years detailing the benefits of video games. Between education and social development, as well as strength building with newer motion games, the arguments against gaming are becoming fewer and fewer.
Now, according to a new study, video games may also become a key part to helping stroke recovery.
According to the study conducted by the Stroke Outcome Research Canada Working Group and published in a recent issue of Stroke, video games can help patients rebuild coordination and upper body strength after suffering a stroke.
The study compared video games to traditional therapies and found video game patients were more likely to improve their upper arm strength and motor functions faster than other patients.
In addition to being therapeutic, healthcare providers can be used to make recovery fun. For example, rehabilitation therapists may use video games in conjunction with an HDTV, LED monitor or HDMI projector to create a therapy session that involves competition and team-building among patients.
According to an earlier Stroke report, games for the Nintendo Wii can often be more beneficial to stroke recovery than playing cards, bingo or other games.
