Has anyone considered applying to the company to carry out research? After all we are all supposed to be working within an evidence based practise framework. It seems that the company may have jumped on the band wagon of encouraging more purchasing by jumping on the therapy bandwagon. BUT WHERES THE EVIDENCE???????

While yes, there needs to be more evidence, it's worth pointing out that Nintendo have made absolutely no claims regarding Wii and Wii Fit's use in therapy. In fact they have been absolutely silent on the subject.

All the use of Wii and Wii Fit in physio and rehabilitation contexts has been driven by practitioners.

Besides, research funded by Nintendo would be automatically regarded as suspect. I think it's best that any research is done by independent practitioners and medical researchers.

Evidence.....yes indeed !!

You are quite right hkot we are all supposed to be working within an evidence based practise framework. I am curious as to what kind of research you are after. Don't get me wrong - I agree with you, but only on the level where people want to use the Wii as a treatment. If it is used as part of a treatment, in the same way that I use 'Connect4', dominos or solitare, to promote hand function/dexterity, or a balloon or bean bags to encourage upper limb activity and movement, then I can't say that I need the evidence to be able to use it. The evidence and best practice really comes with why I am using it (and all the other 'tools we use a therapists), rather than the fact that I have chosen the Wii, Connect4, beanbag or balloon as the tool to achieve the action(s).

What worries me more is that lack of research that applies to the general population. The Dept of Health (UK) have happily stamped its 'Change for Life' logo on the Wii Fit Plus when the suggested evidence out there suggests that Wii Sports actually burns more calories. I'm not dismissing Wii Fit Plus as a opportunity to improve general fitness - the motivation aspects and ease of use most likely encourage Joe Blogg public to engage in 'exercise' which can hopefully be used as a springboard into fitness outside of the living room!! I do disagree with schools using the Wii as a form of PE and with people suffering obesity being given Wii Fits as a way to loose weight. Whats wrong with giving them a bike or a football????

Nintendo, as Paul has said, have made no comment on the Wiis use within therapy and I agree, they aren't likely to conduct any research. Aside from the fact that it would be unethical they don't need to!!! The rehab potential/aspect of the Nintendo Wii is minimal in comparison to the gaming aspect!!! They are not interested in making money from the rehab market and I doubt very much if they will make or licence software that can be used by therapists. The 'bandwagon' has been created and is being driven by therapists.

The research and evidence is on its way though. The Wii was released 3 years ago, and when you think about how long it takes a solid piece of research to be published you are looking at 2-3 years.
When research is emailed to me or published I upload it to my website for all to access (link in signature below). Paul does a great job of uploading bits a bobs from the media and I try to post new research on here......so keep watching