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Wii Gets Arthritis Patients Active

BALTIMORE (WJZ) ― An unusual form of exercise is helping arthritis patients ease their pain and improve mobility.

Kellye Lynn reports doctors in Baltimore are giving their patients a high- tech prescription.

Since traditional exercise can be hard on the joints, some arthritis experts are pushing patients toward Wii.

Gertrude Shear has suffered from arthritis for more than a decade. Stiffness in her hands and back is a daily challenge.

"It means a little pain and sometimes you hesitate to do things that aggravate it," said Shear.

She admits there was no hesitation when her doctor recommended an unfamiliar form of exercise, an interactive video game that would allow Shear to do the activities she enjoys without worsening her arthritis.

Wii uses a motion sensitive controller that requires people to move to play the game.

"What the Wii does is gets them standing, moving around and a gentle range of motion which is good for arthritis," said Dr. Barry Waldman.

Dr. Waldman of Orthomd in Owings Mills recommends patients start with half hour sessions three times a week.

"If they have a little pain, it's OK. A lot of pain tells them it's too much," said Dr. Waldman.

Shear hasn't been exercising with Wii long, but she's already enjoying the results.

"I think it helps you, takes your mind off it.  Before you know it, you feel better," said Shear.

Dr. Waldman says since the home video game console can be bought for as little as $250, this form of exercise is more cost effective than other treatments for arthritis.

A brand new Wii video game that allows users to do strength training, aerobics, yoga and balance games hits stores May 21.

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