'WiiHab' for preserving Motor Skills

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Patsy on July 20, 2011 at 10:25am

Thanks again Kati - I am really pleased you told me about Wii fit and use it every day - it's so helpful in not only preserving motor skills but lifting my morale.  I really cant thank you enough.

 

Patsy

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Kati on July 20, 2011 at 11:43am

Your welcome,  glad my research has been useful to some one else too!  :0)

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Heather Kowitch on July 20, 2011 at 1:24pm

I have been looking for an Ataxia-friendly program to keep my joints from seizing up and keep me moving.  Thanks for suggesting the Wii - I hadn't thought of that at all and here it was right under my nose all the time - turns out we (pardon the pun) have one!  Thanks.

 

 

- Heather K in Canada

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Kati on July 22, 2011 at 1:47pm

Wii Fit focuses a lot on balance and co-ordination and cos you can do one at a time and rest in-between each one if needed I find it easier. also most of the games are adaptable eg they work sitting on board if you can't stand without holding onto something and need to hold Wiimote too.

I've tried a few other exercise games but they either aren't as adaptable or I couldn't do them because they required more physical ability than I have so ended up selling them or trading them in.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Marie Turner on November 16, 2011 at 11:00am

Hi all those who are into wii/ I may be getting one for xmas.What should I get to help with my ataxia.? I don't seem to have as much problem with general hand co-ordination but I can no longer walk unaided and I have an intention tremor and I have difficulty writing and speaking. What are the best games you have found.Would recommend wii fit and how many games does it come with. I have never played a game in my life but am willing to try anything which will help with walking.

Marie

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Kati on November 16, 2011 at 11:14am

Hi

 

To play Wii Fit you need to be able to stand on the balance board for at least 5 mins to do an exercise I use a walking frame around the front to hold onto.  Some games work by sitting on board too if it only involves shifting your balance from left to right.  I think Patsy mentioned been able to complete some games by only lifting her heels rather than her whole foot,  she maybe able to tell you more about that? 

 

I have Marbles Balance Challenge too which is just basically standing on the board and leaning left or right to get a marble around a course,  there are 100 levels for the board and some to do with wii remote which would help hand co-ordination. Super Monkey Ball is similar but the courses are timed, so you have a set amount of time to get to the other end.

 

I have Exerbeat too,  which looks like alot of jumping about at first until you realise it only registers what your arms are doing so you can do the same moves sat in a chair!  (except for the Pilates floor section) you get points for doing exercise and time spent on it which convert to miles as your Mii character travels around the world.  I quite enjoyed it and on my second trip around the world! 

 

I tried EA sports but it requires you to be very still between moves.. I don't have a constant tremor but found some exercises on that difficult, although I've kept it for the boxing workout and can mostly do the games on it rather than the traditional exercises..  you get a resistance band with this game and I use that on its own doing same exercises but not with game. 

 

I have Daisy Fuentes Pilates and My Fitness Coach: Cardio Workout (with boxing glove accessory) on my xmas list this year.  

 

What I do when I'm thinking of a game.. I check it out on YouTube see if can find a video where it shows the people playing it too so I can see what moves are needed then I can work out whether I could do that or adapt the move. 

 

Hope this helps

 

Kati

 

p. s.  I forgot to say go for 'Wii Fit Plus', rather than the original one..  it has more games that are easier to adapt and you can make your own routine of any yoga and muscle exercises you can do.

• ▶ Reply

▶ Reply to Discussion