Life used to be so simple. Children would get up, go to school, and when they returned, play outside until the sun went down. Weekends were filled with sports tournaments, wild adventures and explorations in nature. As video games started becoming popular, there was still more time spent outdoors. With just one TV, the kids could only play so much “Space Invaders” on their Atari 2600.

As technology got both cheaper and more advanced, children started seeing less and less sunlight. They may have been playing sports on their video game systems, but making a running back run for a 90 yard touchdown really doesn’t fall into the category of exercise for the gamer. Video games are only one factor in why the overall population has gotten heavier and less healthy. Gaming and social media used on our phones and PCs have certainly slowed us down and made life more sedentary.

Technology continues to push boundaries though. The Nintendo Wii is a perfect example of how we can push the limits and boundaries. This gaming system has done amazing things in terms of providing both entertainment, but also a bit of exercise. Occupational therapists are using the Wii with seniors. They are “bowling” or “playing tennis” for the first time in decades.

When you compare the latest boxing game on the Wii console to the Xbox or PS3, a gamer can actually get a workout and break a sweat. With the other systems, the most exercise you get is some practice in finger dexterity. The gaming companies have seen the opportunity here and have even come out with games built specifically for adults to use as part of an exercise regimen.

It’s not all fun and games with the Wii though. There has been a rash of Wii-related injuries mostly in the areas of the neck, shoulder, elbow and wrist. For some people, playing a game of Wii tennis may be the most exercise they have had in a long time. Like anybody who isn’t normally active, there will tend to be soreness and stiffness in the muscles afterward. One other issue is the “lack of resistance.” You are not actually rolling a 16 pound bowling ball. You aren’t throwing a 96mph fastball, and chances are you don’t often throw left hooks that put people on the canvas. The actions tend to be over-exaggerated because of this and definitely cause injuries as the action/resistance do not actually match.

The British Chiropractic Association has actually developed what they call a “Wii Warm Up.” It consists of four stretching exercises:

1) Shoulder Shrug – Slowly shrug your shoulders towards your ears. Hold for 2/3 seconds, and then relax. Repeat 3 times. Because it is easier to relax a muscle after you’ve tightened it, you will relax the muscles in the shoulder and allow the blood to flow into the arms.

2) Wrist Stretch – Slowly stretch the wrist backwards, hold for 2/3 seconds, then slowly stretch is forwards and hold for 2/3 seconds. Repeat 3 times. This exercise prevents tightening of the wrists.

3) Make a Fist – Hold the arm at right angles from the elbow. Make a fist and tense it, and the whole of your arm. Hold for 2/3 seconds, then relax and let the arm flop to your side. Repeat 3 times. This will help the blood flow and tone the muscles.

4) Neck muscle stretch – Try to make a double chin, to stretch the muscles at the base of the neck. Hold this position for 2 to 3 seconds and repeat 3 times. Always stretch very slowly.

So what do we do to keep Aunt Trudie from tennis elbow or little Jimmy from needing Tommy John Surgery? Here are a few options:

• Moderation – Everything in life must be done in moderation, including playing with your Wii. Constantly doing the same motions over and over can result in injury if care is not taken.
• Form – Just like in the actual game itself, proper form does matter. Guidelines are created for a reason. Please keep them in mind while playing.
• Supervision – Please keep an eye on how much your children (or  friend/significant other) play. Unhealthy behavior is something we all want to avoid.

If you hurt yourself more than the typical soreness and stiffness of muscles, chiropractic care can help you in a quick non-invasive way. Speak to a chiropractor today.

For further information about this topic, please contact Dr. Lynn Kerew directly at drlynn@lynnkerew.com or visit her website at http://www.lynnkerew.com .