People recovering from a stroke can help improve their rehabilitation by using the Nintendo Wii, according to a new study.
The American Stroke Association International Stroke Conference 2010 revealed research suggesting that playing virtual reality games with the wireless console system could improve their motor function.
Researchers found that people recovering from a stroke who played Wii Tennis and Cooking Mama could demonstrate "significant" improvements in speed.
While no one is quite sure why computer gaming has proved so successful in these trials, it is believed that the "fun" element should not be discarded.
Gustavo Saposnik, director of the Stroke Outcomes Research Unit at the Li Ka Shing Institute at St Michael’s Hospice and lead investigator of the study, said: "This is the first randomised clinical study showing that virtual reality using Wii gaming technology is feasible and safe and is potentially effective in enhancing motor function following a stroke."
The Wii is also known to have other benefits, with gamers using it to help improve their fitness levels.