Tendonitis

Reported cases relating to injuries caused by the overuse of playing video and computer-based games has resulted in the tendonitis phenomenon, aptly termed ‘Nintendinitis’. The increase in popularity of game consoles has led to an increase in locomotor problems in the tissues of the hand (Onn, p1). Overuse injuries are caused by repetitive micro trauma to the tissues, where the basic ability of tissues to repair itself is outpaced by the repetition of the insult (Onn, p1). Due to the addictive nature of video games, the healing process is thus inhibited and injury perpetuated (Urquhart).

According to Working-well.org ‘nintendinitis was described in 1990 by a physician whose houseguest, a 35-year-old woman, took over the children’s Nintendo game. The woman, who had not previously played Nintendo, remained fixated to the game for five hours, which involved pressing a button with her thumb over and over again. The following day she experienced excruciating pain and tenderness in her thumb.

Repetitive stress injury, (RSI) is a serious problem as practitioners are reporting more and more cases.

Prevention

According to Working-well.org, if you use the computer during the day and then go home to play computer games, you are stressing a similar set of tissues. ‘To decrease you chance of developing RSI set a timer by the computer and do not allow yourself or your children to play longer than 45 minutes at a time’ (Working-well,org). The seriousness of the problem has caused enough concern for companies such as GameCube, Game Boy, Game Boy Systems and Nintendo to issue warnings, which are compiled below.

• Take a 10 to 15 minute break every hour, even if you don't think you need it.

• If your hands, wrists or arms become tired or sore while playing, stop and rest them for several hours before playing again.

• If you continue to have soreness or discomfort during or after play, listen to the signals your body is giving you. Stop playing and consult a doctor. Failure to do so could result in long term injury.

• If your hands, wrist or arms have been injured or strained in other activities, use of your system could aggravate the condition. Before playing, consult a doctor.

(Working-well.org) Note : Please refer self-help webpage

Bibliography

‘Playing Games’ Working-Well.org [Online]. Available: [Go to Article] [Accessed 24th October 2004]

Onn, Sheng-Fei. "Nintendo-isation": Sedentary Lifestyles,Obesity and Increasing Health Problems Including Type 2 Diabetes in Modern Day Children and Adolescents [Online]. Available: [Go to article] [Accessed 8 Sept. 2004]

Urquhart, Donald. ‘The Nintendintis Phenomenon’ [Online]. Available: [Go to Article] [Accessed 7 Sept. 2004]