The seemingly limitless uses for the Nintendo Wii continue to rack up as it’s now being used to aid in the rehabilitation of US troops who have been injured fighting for their country.

As if Nintendo’s little console needed any further marketing push, being seen to aid American GI’s recovering from injuries sustained fighting for their country is about as good as it gets for the American public.

Matt Bell is a US Army Medic who, after being shot by a sniper, was unable to perform even the simplest tasks such as tying his own shoe laces. He suffered nerve damage in one hand and limited mobility in one shoulder.

18 months later and Michael is on his way back to recovery with increased mobility, and great deal of credit goes to Nintendo and the Wii.

According to Soldiers’ magazine:

Wii Sports’ forces him to grip the remote-controller and move his hand, and sometimes his entire arm, to play successfully. Guitar Hero promotes dexterity in his fingers, which became rigid from lack of use after his injury.

Hector Romero is an occupation therapist at the Walter Reed Army Medical Centre. He says that the Nintendo Wii allows patients to play games while performing physio, and because they’re playing they can forget about the pain involved.

When the body is hurt, it tries to stop movement because all it wants to do is head.

With the Wii, patients overcome their fears and the body’s reaction to movement. It is a positive distraction, and is extremely effective in improving dexterity and eliciting an increased range of motion.