Physiotherapists in Bradford are using ‘Wii-habilitation’ to improve the strength and co-ordination of amputee patients.

Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust bought the physiotherapy department at Bradford Royal Infirmary a Nintendo Wii two months ago and it is proving popular with staff and patients alike.

Playing on a Wii demands a user acts out the physical movements involved in sports such as tennis, golf, boxing, bowling and baseball.

Players wave a controller that directs the actions of animated athletes on the screen.

The game’s motion sensitive controller requires body movements similar to traditional therapy but provides so much distraction, patients do not notice any discomfort.

Physiotherapist Allen Brown said: “It is still very new but it is getting very good feedback from patients. Because they have such fun they don’t think about the movements they are making – they just do it.

“It is good for weight transfer, as well as core stability, co-ordination and visual concentration.”

Eva Barker, 88, of Lidget Green, Bradford, who has an artificial leg and uses a wheelchair, is one of the patients being offered a spell on the console.

“It is good fun,” she said. “I have enjoyed it.”

Playing against Mrs Barker in the gym at BRI was volunteer Trevor Gott, 71, himself an amputee who has been attending the department for 15 years to help new amputees adjust.

“It is all right but I think it is more for the youngsters,” he said.

The stroke unit also has one of the Wii-fits, as does paediatrics, the respiratory team and Shipley Hospital.

A team at Bradford and Airedale Teaching Primary Care Trust also takes a Wii-fit out to community events to encourage people to try fun new ways to exercise and get fit.