Article was posted on my Local NBC news site. www.nbc30.com

POSTED: 10:10 am EST January 4, 2008


CINCINNATI -- The Nintendo Wii might seem like a great way to get the family together and have some fun.

But one local doctor says it can be downright dangerous, Cincinnati television station WLWT reported

Complaints of muscle soreness and injuries from playing the game are piling up.

So fast, there are Web sites out there showing injuries gamers have gotten -- a black eye, a bloody hand, a knot on the knee and arms in slings.

"Those type of injuries you wouldn't expect from indoor play with a video game," Dr. Bret Bruder said. "The popularity of it, the explosion of this has been unexpected and amazing."

Bruder, an emergency department doctor, said injuries are adding up as more people get the game.

Unlike previous game systems, the Wii often demands considerable physical motion to play effectively.

And the sheer popularity and fun of the game system doesn't help matters.

"You get caught up and you don't want to quit and take a break," Matt Vieth said

"Young children through middle-age people (are) being over exuberant, coming in after hours and hours with their arms, shoulders and joints aching," Bruder said.

Zach Martin had problems with his arms after boxing a few rounds on the Wii.

"It kind of stresses out sometimes," he said.

Bruder said a little common sense goes a long way.

"A little bit of stretching if you're going to be doing some of the more vigorous activities like the golf and tennis," he said. "Don't play for hours and hours on end. Try to spread it out. We know it's fun, it's addictive, but keep it to a limit."