Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre is incorporating the Wii Sport technology in a group setting for patients on an inpatient psychiatry unit. This group is designed to provide opportunity for physical activity for clients with and without off-ward privileges. This program responds to the need expressed by clients for physical activity which has been limited by access to appropriate resources, such as staffing and safety concerns related to the inpatient unit.

The Wii technology combined with the option of stationary bikes in the room during the group will provide opportunities to develop balance, coordination, endurance, and strength. Staff facilitates the set up of Wii equipment, ensure safe engagement and assist clients in developing their physical activity and cognitive skills throughout a variety of Wii sports. Social integration is also an important focus of the Wii Move group and clients have opportunities to experience team collegiality and support others if they do not wish to actively engage in playing.

An occupational therapist and recreation therapist manage the activities by co-facilitation, equipment monitoring, session organization and follow-up support to participants. There is some opportunity for one-to-one and self-directed activity depending on individual client interest, needs and abilities based on staff assessment.

The scheduled Wii Move program takes place twice a week with a morning and an afternoon option. It supplements other inpatient group physical activity programs such as weekly yoga and a daily wellness walk for clients with off-ward privileges.

Clients learn how to get involved through staff and group activities are posted daily outside the central nursing station. Posters and a group program brochure also announce how to join. Clients with Wii experience have opportunities to take on leadership roles by recruiting participants, assisting in the set-up, and teaching others how to use the Wii technology.

The staff would like to engage community agencies such as the YMCA as resources to their clients. Community partners could provide ongoing opportunities to learn about resources available to clients in planning physical activity goals and routines outside of the hospital environment.

The program will be evaluated by written feedback by each participant at the end of each group. It is hoped that the program will demonstrate:

• increased use of healthy stress management skills by clients,
• improvements in feelings of anxiety,
• improved self-esteem and self-confidence and
• increased energy levels and decreased fatigue.

Contact Information:

Lyndsay McTaggart OT Reg (Ont.) / Lesley Breen RT
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre: Inpatient Adult and Older Adult Psychiatry 
Phone: 416-480-6100, ext. 2332
www.sunnybrook.ca

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