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Patient Carol Richman uses the Cybex Trazer system in the Institute for Foot and Ankle Reconstruction at Mercy to rehabilitate from her ankle injury.

Mercy's Center for Restorative Therapies & Institute for Foot and Ankle Reconstruction Utilize Cybex Trazer System for Rehabilitating Patients

(Baltimore, MD) — A company has developed a so-called "full body Wii" -- like the video game system -- to help patients with their physical therapy.

Carol Richman said she smashed her ankle on a hiking trip to Wales last September, but you wouldn't know it to watch her on the Stairmaster.

"I slipped down a hill and tried to catch myself with the left foot. My ankle broke in three places," she said.

Rescuers transported her to a hospital. Richman said she had surgery, was in a cast for more than two months and has been in physical therapy since October. She said her therapist then suggested the Cybex Trazer.

The Trazer is described by Mercy physical therapist Kelly Short as "like a full body Wii." Instead of a sensor in the hand, the sensor is attached to the belt that goes around the waist — and the patient is part of the virtual game.

It works for patients of all levels, Short said.

"If I have someone older, they can do simple things and can react in spontaneous ways, and that's good work for them," Short said.

"It's a nice way to keep patients energized and engaged. Patients love it. They're much more willing to participate in therapy, and there are features of it that let them do a better job," said Dr. John T. Campbell of The Institute for Foot and Ankle Reconstruction at Mercy.

Richman said that it has helped with her flexibility, and she's getting that type of movement back -- even with plates and titanium screws in her ankle.