Tips for Wii-ing Wince Free

Feb. 17, 2009 - PRLog -- The new Wii games system from Nintendo has given gamers a reason to get out of the couch and at least some exercise out of it. Compared to other typical video gamers, Wii gamers are reporting more frequent injuries in their wrists and shoulders. However, with the right pre-cautions and care, much of these injuries can be prevented.

Before Wii, you only used your fingers and thumbs to control the game. Not much movement was required from the rest of the body. This did not expose gamers to harm for other parts of their body.

With Wii people now move and use other parts of the body, even their feet; exposing themselves to potential injuries at other body areas. For example, Wii gamers are reported to complain about shoulder injuries, as most games require you to swing the controller.
Shiek Abdullah, says, “These injuries occur, as you have to swing the controller to control the action. Players who are not used to physical activity, this can cause injury if proper precautions aren't followed. The most common Wii-related injuries are overstretched muscles and repetitive strain injuries.” Shiek is a Senior Physiotherapist at Core Concepts between his Legend of Zelda games.

A common injury for Wii gamers is wrist strain. When they hold on to the handset or nuchak, they typically hold it with their thumb facing up and the wrist bent slightly towards the television. This puts the tendons and ligaments supporting the wrist into a stretched position. This exposes the wrist to injuries. Vigorous wrist movement and vibrations produced by the handset will further increase their risk of repetitive strain injuries (RSI).

According to Shiek, to minimize the RSI risk, gamers should invest some time in strengthening and stretching exercises. This will allow the tendons and ligaments supporting the wrist to be stronger and more flexible. They can further reduce their wrist of injuries if they are able to put their wrist in a neutral position when using the handset or nuchak.

For photos of the correct wrist position and exercises to strengthen and stretch the wrist for Wii, visit http://mcr.coreconcepts.com.sg/wii-right-wrist-wise/.

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Core Concepts is a leading private physiotherapy group specialising in musculo-skeletal health. Core Concepts group was established in 2003 to specialise in musculo-skeletal health. Today with over 4,300 clients and 3 clinics centrally located in Shenton Way, Parkway Parade and Novena Square, Core Concepts is one of the largest private musculo-skeletal group in Singapore. Core Concepts group has 5 divisions catering to the 5 distinct areas of health related to the human muscle and skeletal system:

1. Core Concepts - Physiotherapy Centre,
2. Back2Sports for Sports Injury management,
3. Strong Massage – Sports Massage for Sports People,
4. Etonia for Pregnant Women and
5. Cerebral Care – Home Based care for Stroke and other Neurological conditions.