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Avoid Gaming Injuries? Yes, Wii Can

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@tampatrib.com

Published: February 7, 2009

Despite plenty of stories about the mishaps and injuries associated with Nintendo's Wii video game console, it is possible to love the game and not get hurt.

"If you can avoid the weekend warrior attitude, overall it is a pretty good thing," says Dr. Michael R. Marks, chief of staff at Norwalk Hospital in Connecticut.

The Wii was released in 2006. Its popularity has spread from homes with children to senior centers and nursing homes, where it has become a way to stay active and socialize. An estimated 2.85 million machines were sold during the holiday season.
Wii players use a wireless remote to play popular sports such as bowling and tennis. Players swing and move their arms in realistic motion while holding the controller, so its motion sensors can interact with the characters on the TV screen.

To prevent unintentional flying objects, players are urged to wear the wrist straps attached to the remotes. It never hurts, either, to give other players space so a fierce forehand doesn't result in a real injury to a fellow player.

Doctors say people who feel soreness in their back and shoulders may not immediately equate the pain with "the three hours spent on Sunday trying to hit the baseball" with the Wii. Any physical exertion that places excessive demands on the body is likely to end in pain.

"If you are not a tennis player and you get a tennis racket for Christmas and you spend the entire week of vacation playing tennis four hours every day, your arm is going to hurt," says Dr. Jeffrey Brooks, an orthopedic surgeon.

To avoid injuries, experts advise video game players, especially older ones, should start at the easier levels and build up to allow muscles time for recovery.

Nintendo also has some warnings. Players are urged to take 10- to 15-minute breaks for every hour of play. If someone experiences fatigue or soreness in hands, wrists or arms, or other symptoms, such as stiffness, burning or numbness, he or she is urged to stop and rest for several hours before resuming play, Nintendo suggests.

Stamford (Conn.) Advocate

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