GLASGOW — Emily Heuser is playing goalie against a virtual opponent.
With an infrared sensor strapped around her waist, the T.J. Samson Rehab and Sports Medicine employee bounces back and forth to make sure she is in front of the ball the other player is trying to toss in her direction.
Of course, since this is a virtual reality game called Goalie Wars, there is no actual soccer ball coming in Heuser’s direction.
Instead, the interactive software, called Trazer, helps the user become better at developing reaction time, acceleration, speed, power and balance.
“It’s not some boring workout,” Heuser said.
John Vaughn, coordinator of the Rehab and Sports Medicine Center, said the Trazer system has recently begun to be mass-marketed to physical therapists, sports clinics and professional sports teams.
The Glasgow facility is one of those that has invested in the software.
“You can really work up a good cardio workout,” Vaughn said.
He added that the Nintendo Wii Fit is another interactive virtual program that can benefit those in athletics, as well as those in the age range between preteen and early 30s.
“It’s a great balance training mechanism,” Vaughn said. “It really uses a lot of visual stuff too. You’ve got to rely on balance and the visual stuff really throws you off.”
Since video games have long been blamed for the physical inactivity of America’s youth, Vaughn believes the companies are beginning to see a need to develop something to “get kids moving again.”
“If you can get them playing a game, where they don’t know they’re exercising, they tend to do a lot better,” he said. “They tend to get into the game and the competitiveness of the game.”
Goalie Wars is one such game that has proven to be a popular choice.
“Kids love this one,” Vaughn said.
Features
Related Photos
-
BRAD DICKERSON
Discussion
GOAL!!! - Hospital scores with interactive therapy
- Features
-
- ROTARY REPORT: Barren ROTC to be topic Thursday
-
SLIDESHOW: Sports figures react to Joe Paterno's death
Players, coaches and sports journalists took to Twitter on Sunday morning to react to the death of former Penn State head football coach Joe Paterno.
-
Viral video: Announcer goes nuts after full-court shot wins game
One college basketball play-by-play radio host likely needed some throat lozenges when he woke up Sunday morning, a day after his shocked, screaming reaction to a game-winning basket.
-
Viral video: Groom surprises bride with Justin Bieber dance
The choreographed wedding dance is a staple of a healthy viral video diet, right up there with cute kittens and babies laughing at everyday sounds. Still, it's hard not to smile when you watch one as well-executed as this groom's Justin Bieber tribute to his new bride.
-
Viral video: Anchor has Ron Burgundy moment on live TV
A morning meteorologist at a TV station in Green Bay, Wis., had a real-life Ron Burgundy moment this week thanks to a prank by one of his co-workers.
-
Christmas sights
A dog at the entrance of a house on North Race Street got a festive touch for the holidays.
-
Viral video: Woman makes amazing hockey goal, wins truck
Some folks are calling it a "miracle on ice." A 59-year-old woman who had never held a hockey stick made a nearly impossible goal, sending a puck into a tiny opening to win a brand new truck.
-
Viral video: FedEx guy tosses computer monitor over fence
During the holidays more than any other time, shoppers rely on delivery services to bring important packages to their doorsteps safe and sound. But a YouTube video gone viral shows that sometimes, packages aren't exactly handled with care.
-
Viral video: Senior citizens stage flash mob
Flash mobs aren't just for teenagers anymore. A group of senior citizens proved it recently after staging a song and dance inside the Christmas decorations department of the Target store in Lawrence, Kan.
-
Guide to this year's hottest gift: The tablet
Tablet computers and e-readers are extremely popular and are expected to be strong sellers this holiday season despite a weak economy. But the array of models and brands can confound many potential gift-givers. Check out this guide to tablet-giving on any budget.
- More Features Headlines
Denver's Largest-Ever Drug Bust Nets Dozens
Marines: No Punishment for Nazi-like Flag
Vets Look to Translate Military Skills Into Jobs
Expert: Removing LA School's Staff 'Appropriate'
Raw Video: School Bus Burst Into Flames
LA School Reopens Amid Sex Abuse Scandal
$25B Settlement Reached Over Foreclosure Abuses
Pentagon: Allow Women Closer to Front Lines
Obama Gives Education Waivers to 10 States
Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe
Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs
States, Banks Reach Foreclosure-abuse Settlement
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration
Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
