Now, rehabilitation hospitals are using Nintendo's Wii video game console to help patients gain back body strength.

According to Robbie Winget, an occupational therapist at Dodd Hall Rehabilitation Hospital in Columbus, Wii helps patients to build balance, coordination, endurance, and upper and lower body strength.

Apparently, a 51-year-old patient named Franklin Perry, who had a stroke about three weeks back, and was left with an immobilized right side, has now started getting some movements back, after he started using Wii. The console requires players to use their body to control game play.

Dodd Hall Hospital has been using Wii for nearly four months to help people recover from strokes, and spinal cord- or traumatic brain- injuries.

Besides, patients are using Internet-enabled Wii to find information on its news or weather channels to improve their brain function.

All patients at Dodd Hall play work with the Wii for about 30 minutes a day, for two to three times every week, according to Winget.

However, Wii cannot replace conventional therapy, Winget clarified. It's just another way to meet the specific goals associated with therapy.