RicaneliteWalter Reed finds video games good therapy for wounded soldiers
Many gamers know that if they're in pain or feeling a little low, a dose of their favorite game can pick them up again. Games distract you from your problems, give you a sense of accomplishment, and can even take your mind off of physical injury. At the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, a nonprofit group called Cause was looking for ways to help soldiers deal with their injuries after returning from the war. The best solution they've found? Video games. From the Washington Post:
Video games are all over Walter Reed. They're used for therapy or entertainment, or both. Alcibar doesn't have any hand injuries, but he's been trying to persuade some of his physical therapists to make Guitar Hero available to those who do. It would probably help some soldiers rebuild their hand strength and dexterity. And it's another excuse to play.
The hospital allows patients to check out games and systems, and also has monthly get-togethers to get the soldiers out of their rooms and playing socially. Which would you rather do, sit in your room and brood over your injuries, or hand someone their butt in Virtua Fighter 5? Chuck Ziegenfuss, a wounded major in the army, also said that being able to take part in such a routine part of life can help to normalize the soldiers after such a life-changing experience.
Some studies have hinted that virtual reality and gaming in general can help people with their pain, and most gamers already know that social gaming has many other benefits that are harder to pin down scientifically. In a hospital environment, away from home, being able to play games with people who have been through the same things you have must be good medicine.
Video games are all over Walter Reed. They're used for therapy or entertainment, or both. Alcibar doesn't have any hand injuries, but he's been trying to persuade some of his physical therapists to make Guitar Hero available to those who do. It would probably help some soldiers rebuild their hand strength and dexterity. And it's another excuse to play.
The hospital allows patients to check out games and systems, and also has monthly get-togethers to get the soldiers out of their rooms and playing socially. Which would you rather do, sit in your room and brood over your injuries, or hand someone their butt in Virtua Fighter 5? Chuck Ziegenfuss, a wounded major in the army, also said that being able to take part in such a routine part of life can help to normalize the soldiers after such a life-changing experience.
Some studies have hinted that virtual reality and gaming in general can help people with their pain, and most gamers already know that social gaming has many other benefits that are harder to pin down scientifically. In a hospital environment, away from home, being able to play games with people who have been through the same things you have must be good medicine.
