How games consoles can help your patients

Computer games were once one of the main reasons for the increase in sedentary lifestyles, but now they can help your patients treat a variety of problems.

Playing computer games were blamed for the increase in obesity levels and lower back pain, which is caused from poor posture and being slumped over a computer.

It is predicated that 52% of people in the UK suffer from back pain and four out of five will experience it at some point in their lives.

For patients with back pain, lumbar rolls, such as the McKenzie Original Roll and McKenzie Cervical Roll, can help to encourage correct posture and reduce discomfort.

The increase in obesity levels from sedentary lifestyles also leads onto numerous other conditions, including:

• Weak pelvic floor muscles causing incontinence problems

• Stress placed on the ankles creating greater risk of ankle injuries and foot injuries

With the emergence of wireless motion sensitive boxes, which recreate the movements in sports, primarily the Nintendo Wii, computer games can now help to battle the bulge and encourage people to become more active.

Virtual reality games are also being recommended as treatment for a variety of injuries to help rebuild strength in the injured area by gentle exercises and sport on these computer games.

The Nintendo Wii allows users to play a variety of sports including boxing, tennis, golf and bowling.

However, it is important to tell your patients to warm up and cool down correctly before playing any of these games, otherwise they could further injury themselves.

Wearing supports, such as knee supports, ankle supports, wrist supports and shoulder supports is also recommended, especially if the console is being used for recovery.

It is understood that playing one game on these consoles for 35 minutes a day will burn 150 calories and use up to more than four times as many calories as sit down games.

The release of the Nintendo Wii Fit and similar consoles have further emphasised their benefits, with people now able to hula hoop, go for a jog, carry out exercises and do step aerobics all from the comfort of their homes.

Read about how hula hooping can help to reduce lower back pain and strengthen weak pelvic floor muscles.

They are particularly useful in the rehabilitation and treatment of children, who maybe reluctant to carry out exercise, but will enjoy using these types of consoles. Recent research suggests that more than 80% of nine to 19 year olds own a games console, so with British children the fattest in Europe, it is important to battle their sedentary lifestyles.

Of course, computer games aren’t a substitute for outdoor activities and sports, and your patients should always follow a weight loss plan and suitable treatment for their problems.

So, if your patients need to become more active or want to recover from an injury, suggest a virtual reality games consoles and they can have fun while improving their health.