Contribution of Virtual Reality (Nintendo Wii) for Exercise Training and Rehabilitation

This chapter discusses using a commercially available video game console for motor intervention and rehabilitation. This chapter presents four main topics. The first one focuses on technology and the basic principles and concepts of Nintendo Wii. The technology behind the Wii gaming system emphasizes the relevance of such technology to motor behavior. The second topic describes the effect of the Wii gaming system on older adults without movement disorders. Exercise training based on Wii gaming may positively impact metabolic parameters and functional capacity, such as balance, as a result of the aging process. The third topic describes the effect of Wii gaming on the rehabilitation of individuals post-stroke and with Parkinson’s disease. Wii gaming for these individuals may bring some positive outcomes for motor recovery. Finally, the fourth topic discusses some of the relevant underlying mechanisms of motor learning related to using the Wii gaming system for health exercise and rehabilitation.