(PRLEAP.COM) SAN DIEGO - “Wiitis” and “Nintenditis” are the latest medical terms to describe injuries from exergaming – or playing simulated video games like the Nintendo Wii and Dance Dance Revolution that require players to be physically active. Although these games have been proven to burn calories, the California Athletic Trainers’ Association (CATA) warns that nonstop exergaming can leave participants feeling the burn of sports-related injuries.

According to the CATA, games like the Wii – where players face a video screen and move a handheld controller to play three-dimensional games like baseball, bowling and tennis – can lead to overuse injuries, such as pulled muscles, stress fractures and tendonitis that occur from repetitive play.

For example, the New England Journal of Medicine lists Wiitis as a condition similar to tennis elbow, and a doctor in Spain diagnosed Nintenditis in a patient who suffered a shoulder injury after playing the Nintendo Wii for hours.

“Typically inactive people who play simulated video games for hours at a time can be susceptible to injuries more commonly seen in professional athletes,” said Kelly Berardini, a certified athletic trainer and CATA member. “Exergaming is a great way to have fun and get active, but the key to avoiding injuries is to treat the game like a sport and prepare accordingly.”

Here, the CATA offers tips for staying safe and injury-free while exergaming:

1. Warm-up. Do some jumping jacks, run or walk in place for three to five minutes. Then slowly stretch the legs, arms and lower back, holding each position for 30 seconds to avoid pulled muscles. Stretch again when finished playing.
2. Dress appropriately. Wear tennis shoes with good support to prevent ankle injuries.
3. Move obstacles. Make sure that objects like chairs, rugs, couches, tables or other obstacles are cleared from the area where the game is being played.
4. Use proper technique. For the Wii, move the controller from the forearm and not just the wrist. When playing games that require larger movements, make sure not to overextend the knees, hips or other sensitive joints.
5. Don’t ignore pain. Players need to listen to their bodies. If they feel pain or shortness of breath, they should stop immediately before the problem gets worse.
6. Practice moderation. Limit play to an hour each day. Moderation is key.
About the California Athletic Trainers’ Association (CATA):
Athletic trainers are health care professionals who specialize in the provision of physical medicine and rehabilitation services, serving as physician extenders in the prevention, assessment and treatment of acute and chronic injuries and illnesses. The California Athletic Trainers’ Association (http://www.cata-usa.org) represents and supports 2,200 members of the athletic training profession through communication and education.

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