Wii COPD
Needless to say, most gamers didn’t seem impressed when Nintendo president Satoru Iwata introduced the prototype for the new Wii Vitality Sensor on June 3. But perhaps respiratory professionals might be a little more excited with its potential.
The sensor is basically a pulse oximeter that would attach to the Wii game system, measuring the player’s vital signs. Iwata didn’t explain how the device would be used or what type of game might take advantage of the device. However, he did say, “you will see the information relating the inner world of your body.”He did mention the sensor could perhaps allow users to monitor their stress and use it as a way to relax, though he didn’t expound on how it might do so. Some gamers speculate it could be used to heighten the potential of horror games by reading into how scared players are.
Yet, no one seems to be talking about the exciting potential applications this new “unexciting” Vitality Sensor could have in health care. Several articles and anecdotes already chronicle the success of the existing Wii Fit game as a useful add-on to pulmonary rehab. Is it possible that COPD patients could use this new sensor down the line to help monitor their control or predict an oncoming exacerbation?
After all, more health care professionals are encouraging COPD patients to participate in collaborative self-management of their disease. And more COPD patients are buying pulse oximeters for personal use to do just that. Wouldn’t it be great if patients could just run out to their local Wal-Mart or game store and purchase a Wii COPD? Of course Wii COPD doesn’t exist, but perhaps such a program could help COPD patients control their disease the same way the Wii Fit has encouraged some players to increase their physical activity. By offering rehab capabilities as well as monitoring options, the Wii could help patients to monitor oxygen levels and potentially increase lung function at the same time. Who knows? In two years, the Wii Vitality Sensor might play an integral role in COPD management.
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