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WHAT IS Wii? Developed by Nintendo and introduced in 2006, Wii was formally known as Nintendo Revolution. The system is an interactive video game in which players are able to use cordless remote controllers that detect motion and can be directed at the television for control of the game. The Blue-Tooth based remote uses infrared signals after a senor bar is placed in front of the screen, according to PC Magazine. Up to four players can use their own remote. The remotes include speakers, which produce sound effects when waving the device or hitting the virtual balls. Each controller is attached to a wristband to ensure users don't throw their controllers rather than the virtual objects. Wii has grown in popularity over other video game options because of its capability to make users feel like they are in the video game themselves. It is the first interactive video game of its kind. WII-HAB WITH WII-SPORTS: Wii Sports is a set of five sports where players use their cordless motion- detecting controllers to virtually set foot on the field and get into a sporting event. The sports include tennis, baseball, golf, bowling and boxing. Users create an individual character and can choose distinct physical characteristics to resemble themselves in real-life. When they play, they use their same Wii-character. Depending on records of wins and losses, their skill levels can rise and fall. This level encourages players to keep playing and to try to keep winning to improve their skill level. Wii-hab uses the Wii sports to increase hand-eye coordination, visual perception, figure-ground relationships and sequenced movement, according to an article published on Medical News Today. STUDY OF WII-HAB TO TREAT PARKINSON'S: In a small, eight-week study of 20 Parkinson's disease patients, participants played Wii for one hour, three times weekly for four weeks. Patients participated in tennis, bowling, and some boxing games. According to Live Science, the study was funded with a $45,000 grant from the National Parkinson's Foundation. "Participants showed significant improvements in rigidity, movement, fine motor skills and energy levels," Dr. Ben Herz, program director and assistant professor in the School of Allied Health Sciences Department of Occupational Therapy, was quoted as saying. "Perhaps, most impressively, most participants' depression levels decreased to zero ... Game systems are the future of rehab. About 60 percent of the study participants decided to buy a Wii for themselves. That speaks volumes for how this made them feel." FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Banner Good Samaritan Public Relations Phoenix, AZ (602) 839-4411 [log in to unmask] Rayilyn Brown Director AZNPF Arizona Chapter National Parkinson Foundation [log in to unmask] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn