Is the Nintendo Wii Therapeutic?

Is it true that video games can be both dangerous and therapeutic? Many, including professional therapist say that the Nintendo Wii is one of the most therapeutic games to come on the market. Is the Nintendo Wii really a great therapeutic game or is it possibly one of the most dangerous computer games of all time? Perhaps you have seen a news story that screamed danger and therefore have shied away from even taking a look at these games. Yes, there are some dangers with this game just as there are with sports or even bending over to pick a coin up off the ground.

So what are the risks? The potential of physical injury is primarily related to the way you use the games controller. The designers of these games have done a good job of creating onscreen action that feels natural; it pulls you into the game as if you are actually there. In an attempt to create this more natural movement the basic Nintendo controller is swung around as you play. For example, if you were playing a computerized game of bowling or tennis you would move the controller as if you were swinging a tennis racquet or throwing a bowling ball. This introduces much greater interactivity and most players have reacted favorably as they truly feel the action.

This novel way of using the game controller is certainly unique to the Nintendo Wii and makes it stand out from the current crop of computer gaming consoles, but it has caused problems – and even physical injury – to a minority of users who’ve failed to exercise the proper level of caution.

Injuries caused by the use of the Nintendo Wii are primarily those to the player such as strained muscles or those to others that are standing to near the player and end up getting wacked.

Is it the game that is really dangerous or the player? Nintendo offers some great games such as the Wii Sport and Wii Fitness. These games enable people to have a good time while getting some really good exercise. These games have been successful at getting many of us couch potatoes to discover that movement can actually be fun. For some it has been the ignition that resulted in them becoming active again and enjoying a real game of tennis, bowling or golf. For others, playing these games has given them more stamina so that they could once again enjoy walking, hiking and riding a bike. And yet for others these games have enabled families to interact.

While the dangers are real they are avoidable. Just as with other sports a few minutes of stretching and warming up prior to playing will help to prevent injury. None of us need strained muscles, ligaments and tendons.

To prevent injury between a player and others, make sure there’s sufficient distance between the player and those that are in the area of play.

Another common Nintendo Wii injury is failing to properly secure the games controller strap. An unsecured Nintendo Wii games controller can easily slip out of your grasp and hit someone. Check the wrist strap at regular intervals and get a replacement if the original shows any signs of wear and tear.

Exercise caution and have a good time playing your Nintendo Wii. Doing so will assure hours of fun, some great exercise and as a bonus it will help you and the kids loose those extra pounds and help keep them off.