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The hot commodity in rehabilitative care is – a Nintendo Wii interactive video game console.

“The Wii system is an excellent, affordable way of simulating activity that rehab providers can provide, particularly to geriatric patients,” said Gregg Altobella, president of the National Association of Rehabilitation Providers and Agencies, based in Tampa, Fla. “Its popularity is growing rapidly.” Wii Fit, an aerobic-themed game, is also big in CCRC wellness centers.

Patients move in time with simulated characters on a 42-inch plasma TV during virtual games of golf, bowling, baseball, boxing and tennis. The games sharpen patients’ skills during short-term rehab and improve the quality of life for long-term residents. At a recent conference in Washington, representatives from 70 rehab centers nationwide – employing roughly 15,000 therapists – were buzzing about patients’ response to Wiihab.

“This technology wasn’t talked about at previous conventions; people are really gravitating to this,” Altobella said. “There are no statistics at this point that support the efficacy of treatment with this device, but we as a group have our finger on the pulse of these kinds of growing trends.”

The pros say the use of the Wii for rehab is best used with a rehab specialist. Many budgets are limited and are relying on donations to incorporate the games.