Wii Nunchuk Controlled Dance Pleo! Dance! to Assist Children with Cerebral Palsy by Play Therapy

Children with cerebral palsy have difficulty moving their hands and muscles due to developmental issues. One way to assist these children is by having them participate in physical therapy. The best form of physical therapy for children is playing. Playing is a natural activity for children, and it also helps in furthering the developments of muscles. This form of therapy is perhaps a greater choice for children because it keeps the child engaged due to the interest the child holds in the activity. By integrating two projects done by previous students, a Pleo that is controlled by a Wii Nunchuk will be able to teach Pleo how to dance. The child will be engaged in this activity for long durations because there are many variations of dance that the Pleo can learn by moving many body parts. Children using this toy will have continuous movement in their arm muscles by moving the Nunchuk for the duration of the activity. This toy will not only help children with severe disabilities feeling equal to their non-disabled peers by allowing them to use controllers found on many game consoles, but it will also enhance the child’s self-esteem and confidence by allowing them to control the outcome of the Pleo.