Surgeons warming up on the Wii

A US study shows that surgeons who play the Wii were more skilled in the operating theatre.

Surgeons who play games that involve precise hand control will perform better in the operating room.

How can that be, you say ? Well, the truth is this could all be achieved without the use of a Wii in the hospital staffroom. Apparently using the Wii before surgery warms up the muscles in the doctor’s hands and wrists. Few finger stretches would likely do the same, we think.

The study took 8 trainee surgeons and had them play Marble Mania for the Wii for half an hour before having them perform vital surgery in a virtual reality game.

The docs who played the Wii beforehand scored 50% better in tool control than those who’d just been larking about before the surgery.

Just to make it clear, Wii Sports involves very little precision hand movement. With the exception of putting in golf, we’re fairly sure the only thing surgeons will get from some of the more “active” games for the Wii, is tennis elbow.

Now, what would happen if you put a trainee on the Wii for 30 minutes and then put him up against a world renowned surgeon ? Who’d win ? Answers on a postcard please.

Read more at NewScientist