Video games serve physical therapy patients

Patients in need of physical therapy services are capitalizing on the benefits offered by interactive video games, according to a published report.

Gamefreak365.com reports that motion games, as the virtual tools used by people with physical therapy jobs also is called, not only engage interest of patients but also require physical movement and exercise. The practice is under study for officials to understand the physical therapy benefits that motion games offer.

Researchers with the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine determined that incentives of interactive video games include enhanced motor skills and physical abilities. Their perspective on the medical condition's outcome also was brighter.

The study saw subjects partake in 42 differing physical therapy sessions that included 20-minutes-worth of interactive games such as bowling, boxing and surfing and other virtual exercises that are beneficial to physical health. Many of the subjects said they enjoyed the physical therapy more than traditional routines of physical therapy.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, physical therapy career opportunities are projected to develop more rapidly than average jobs and prospects are forecast to be good.