MURFREESBORO, Tenn., June 11 Some video gamers -- especially U.S. college students -- may not know that the games they play can lead to injury, despite warnings in game manuals.
For example, players of video games that include physical activity are told in the manual: "WARNING -- Repetitive Motion Injuries and Eyestrain. Playing videogames can make your muscles, joints, skin or eyes hurt." In fact, some video games that include boxing, tennis and bowling suggest in the manual to "take a 10- to 15-minute break every hour, even if you don't think you need it," and games feature a pause menu that asks players "Why not take a break?" Shandora Dorse, a physician's assistant at Middle Tennessee State University, McFarland Health Services, said that college-age gamers who have played for years may be able to handle physical video games better than older players, but it's important for individuals to know their own limits.
"Let pain be your gauge," Dorse said in a statement. Any stretching related to the upper body, neck and shoulder muscles can help reduce the risk of soreness or possible injury during gaming, suggests Dorse.
Copyright 2007 by UPI
