Two separate universities have recently discussed their use of the Nintendo Wii in studying medical treatments.

The Wii has been used in a number of studies over the year, some academic and some medicinal. A report in The Register states that researchers at City University in London have announced that they are currently using the Wii to see if motion controlling technology can help stroke victims regain the power to communicate.

Many stroke victims suffer from aphasia, the loss or reduction of the ability to use written or verbal language. Typically patients are taught several gesticulations as a rudimentary form of sign language, but with paralysis being common this is not easy for the patient. Researchers are evaluating whether or not motion-based video games will help in the treatment as it is cheap and is something patients can do at home.

Stephanie Wilson, Senior Lecturer in Human-Computer Interaction Design (HCID) at City University London commented on the study stating, "gesture tracking and recognition technologies are becoming a ubiquitous part of new computing and gaming environments." The study aims to develop a prototype rig that will allow users to practice gesturing and receive instant feedback. Around 150,000 British people suffer from a stroke each year, with many more afflicted worldwide.

Meanwhile in America The Washington Post have reported that The University of Maryland are using Wii Fit to help with concussions.

For the past year the university, along with Ohio State, have been conducting research into the effectiveness of using Wii Fit in the treatment and management of concussions. This research reflects growing concerns in America about how to treat concussions, with even major sports organisations concerned about the best course of action.

"The athletes love it because what we've done is we've incorporated this fun game that they're playing at home into their rehab system," said Tamerah Hunt, director of research at the Ohio State Sports Concussion Program. "But they're also enjoying it at a time when they're injured or at a time when their spirits are down, and they have to come into the athletic training room every day and they have to get all this treatment . . . and it's kind of a reaction of, 'Oh, this is fun.' "

However, there has been criticisms that the attention should be on the injury, not on having fun. Furthermore it has been argued that there is no 'one size fits all' approach to concussions and as such simply playing a title like Wii Fit won't help.

So far reports suggest that Wii Fit's use in evaluating an athlete's condition has been "pretty decent", but acknowledged that it would ideally be much higher. While the debate about the usefulness of Wii Fit against more costly and traditional methods of treatment will continue it is interesting to see the numerous ways in which the Wii is being used for more than just playing games.