Some physical therapists have been prescribing the Wii for patients recovering from strokes or injuries. Doctors and patients say it's more rewarding to play the game system than go through tedious exercises. "This is more fun. It makes it more exciting. It gets me to work harder," a 51-year-old stroke victim tells Reuters.
One hospital in Columbus has been using a Wii for about four months. "I thought it was cool that you used your body to control the movement," says an occupational therapist who works at the hospital. The problem may come when patients have trouble getting their hands on a scarce game system when they go back home. "I wish I could find one," says one patient. (More Nintendo Wii stories.)