Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Guy Duke and Electronics Technician 3rd Class Joshua Benedict show how the Navy uses the Wii Fit as a therapy tool. Photo by Machinist's Mate 3rd Class Juan Pinalez.

CHARLESTON, SC -- A new physical therapy treatment program at The Naval Health Clinic in Charleston, SC, includes activities on the Nintendo Wii Fit.

Lt. Cmdr. Matthew Wise, physical therapy department head, said the interactive games will help wounded warriors address mobility and balance problems.

Since the balance board on a Wii Fit shows where a participant’s center of gravity lies, it will be useful for soldiers who are severely injured or have lost a limb. Plus, the games challenge a person’s ability to maintain even weight distribution, Wise told military journalists.

In addition, Wise hopes the Wii consoles will make rehabilitation more fun.

"Not only are they building up their muscles after an injury, they're also getting the satisfaction of playing a game," he said.

The Wii consoles were donated to Navy Exchange Command by Nintendo. The consoles were distributed to military treatment facilities around the country to support wounded warrior care and rehabilitation.

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