Study: A Wii bit of practice before surgery is good

The Wii isn't just a good rehab device for patients, it's apparently a good warm-up tool for surgeons as well. A study at the Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center claims that certain types of games are effective as a precision control prep before surgery.

Surgeons who did an hour of gaming scored nearly 50% higher on tool control and overall performance in a virtual reality simulator. The Wii's Marble Mania was particularly effective due to the controlled movements necessary -- ironically, Trauma Center isn't mentioned at all. The researchers will present at the Medicine Meets Virtual Reality conference later in January.