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 Why emerging? New technology is changing the way we interact, communicate, and go about our daily lives. This is evident through the widespread use of smart phones (more than 70 million users in the U.S. alone1), and the ease of downloading and using applications (apps) to do everything from check the latest headlines, get weather updates, or find the closest coffee shop. In some ways it seems like many smart phone and tablet computer apps were made for therapy—they offer speech to text options, handwriting enhancements, options for motor skill development, and so forth. Some practitioners are using gaming devices, such as the Nintendo Wii, to provide rehabilitative activities. The advances in technology continue, and occupational therapy practitioners will want to create innovative ways to use new technology in their practice.
Get Involved: When the Nintendo Wii came out in 2006, Nathan "Ben" Herz, OTD, MBA, OTR/L, decided to buy one for his department because he was interested in seeing whether it could help his clients with Parkinson's disease. After noticing some improvements, he conducted research studies using the Wii as a modality, and now all of his research is based on virtual reality and video games. Herz found that motivation increased, depression went away, quality of life improved, rigidity decreased, and clients could move better when using the Wii.
"I believe that we're not using the technology to its full potential," says Herz. "Most people are using it for exer-gaming, which is great for the heart rate and movement, but there is a cognitive aspect to it that is amazing, as well as a psychosocial aspect." Herz recommends practitioners "go for it" with technology and remember that technology can assist and enhance what occupational therapy practitioners are already doing. Herz uses a variety of games with his clients, such as boxing, fishing, cooking, brain teasers, and more. "I'm able to teach knife skills with a client with Parkinson's using the Wii without putting him or me in danger by having a real knife in his hand."
Herz believes that video games have a long way to go with accessibility and actual simulation, but even now the technology has a lot to offer occupational therapy clients. Practitioners can also use smart phones and tablet computers to facilitate fine motor skills and sequencing, and to run text to speech programs, according to Herz. "Don't be afraid of technology," he says. "Understand that there is so much it has to offer, and we haven't really touched the surface yet."
Picture by: http://www.flickr.com/photos/maximalideal/3177771339/
Resources:
- AOTA Official Documents:
- OT Practice articles:
- Touch the Future: Using iPads as a Therapeutic Tool, by Cathy Hoesterey, OTR/L, and Carol Chappelle, OTR/L, MBA, in July 23, 2012 OT Practice, p. 7.
- Wii-habilitation: Using the Wii as an Effective Intervention Tool for Seniors, by Camille Sparkes-Griffin, OTR/L, in February 25, 2013, OT Practice, p. 18.
- "App" titude: Smart Gadget Applications Showing Their Worth in Practice by Andrew Waite in July 2, 2012, OT Practice.
- App Support: Mobile Applications for Individuals With Cognitive and Behavioral Challenges, by Lindsey Aftel, Mary Freeman, Jessica Lynn, & Whitney Mercer, in June 20, 2011, OT Practice
- Osteoarthritis, Video Games in Rehabilitation, and Fall Prevention, by Susan H. Lin, ScD, OTR/L, in February 21, 2011, OT Practice
- Electronic Engagement: Assistive Technology for Persons With Disabilities by Steve Van Lew, MS, OT/L; Holly Cohen, ATP, OTR/L; & Nandita Singh, MPH, OTR/L, in October 25, 2009, OT Practice.
- Technology Intervention, Using What Is There: Hidden Features and Functions of Operating Systems and Word Processing, by Kimberly D. Hartmann, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA; Kathy Post, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA; & Christine Gardner, BSHS, MOTS, in May 24, 2010, OT Practice.
- Virtual Reality-Based Rehabilitation, by Salvador Bondoc, OTD, OTR/L, BCPR, CHT; Courtney Powers, BSHS; Nathan Herz, OTD, MBA, OTR/L; & Valerie Hermann, MS, OTR/L, in June 28, 2010, OT Practice.
- AOTA Quarterly Article:
- Other Resource:
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