Video games are used in the rehabilitation of respiratory patients, amputees and those who have suffered a stroke; see how it works

Video games are used in the rehabilitation of respiratory patients, amputees and those who have suffered stroke Video games may just be a form of entertainment for many people, but in a health unit in São Vicente, on the coast of São Paulo, it has been an important ally in the patients' rehabilitation process. Games controlled by body movements help with mobility and balance, while making physiotherapy sessions lighter and more fun. To g1, physiotherapist Danielle Rodrigues do Valle said that the method has been used at the Reabilitar I health unit, in the Vila São Jorge neighborhood. The targets are respiratory patients, amputees before and after putting on prostheses and people who have suffered a stroke. ? Click here to follow the new g1 Santos channel on WhatsApp. "Through interactive games, the patient performs specific movements that stimulate balance, coordination, muscular strength and postural control. In addition to working on motor function, the games stimulate concentration, attention and reasoning", said the physiotherapist. Video games are used in the rehabilitation process of patients in São Vicente, SP Cynthia Rocha/Prefeitura de São Vicente/Disclosure Danielle added that treatments are prolonged, generally over six months. Therefore, the method also aims to stimulate patients, as they tend to show more enthusiasm during sessions, reducing the rate of abandonment of physiotherapy. ?? Attention! The physiotherapist highlighted that technology does not replace conventional methods, being used as a complementary tool. All patients perform aerobic and muscle strengthening exercises before using the video game. How does it work? Physiotherapists use an Xbox 360, with two physical discs (CDs). The first is aimed at practicing sports, simulating bowling, football, volleyball and athletics matches to work on muscle strength, range of movement and physical conditioning. The second has adventure games, which promote movement, action and reaction, agility and motor coordination. Video games are used in the rehabilitation process of patients in São Vicente, SP Cynthia Rocha/Prefeitura de São Vicente/Disclosure Patients need to undergo a consultation with a doctor specializing in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation to receive or not the indication for the use of video games. The physiotherapist highlighted that it is necessary to be physically fit and remain standing with or without the aid of equipment. Results The physiotherapist stated that the response to virtual rehabilitation has been beneficial for patients, both physically and mentally. ??According to her, respiratory patients showed an improvement in aerobic capacity, being able to perform the exercises without experiencing dyspnea [shortness of breath or difficulty breathing] or a drop in O2 saturation. Video games are used in the rehabilitation process of patients in São Vicente, SP Cynthia Rocha/Prefeitura de São Vicente/Disclosure ??In relation to amputees, Danielle said that they had an improvement in strength, balance and especially in weight-bearing while standing, as many spend most of their time sitting, afraid of moving around with crutches. This is even the case of amputee patient Tereza Souza, aged 64. For her, the method made the sessions more enjoyable and provided significant advances in mobility and independence to carry out daily activities. "I couldn't stand up or lift my right arm. I couldn't comb my hair with my right hand and now I can stretch my arm above my head, climb stairs and do things alone. It's really cool and helps a lot," said the patient, in a note released by the city hall. Videogames are used in the rehabilitation process of patients in São Vicente, SP Cynthia Rocha/São Vicente City Hall/Disclosure Initiative According to the São Vicente City Hall, virtual rehabilitation began in 2014. Through a study, a physiotherapist held a video game championship among patients, which received an honorable mention in the V David Capistrano Award for Successful Experiences in the Health Area, in 2015. Danielle explained that the method stopped to be used during the Covid-19 pandemic, when the health center was closed and physiotherapists were distributed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and post-covid care sectors. The practice was resumed in 2025. Video games are used in the rehabilitation process of patients in São Vicente, SP Cynthia Rocha/São Vicente City Hall/Disclosure VIDEOS: g1 in 1 minute Santos