Another tough day on the court? No, it turns out you're spending way too much time playing simulated sports with video games. And, in an ironic twist, it seems that if you aren't already healthy and fit it may lead to real pain and muscle soreness.

A recent letter in The New England Journal of Medicine details the first documented case of acute “Wiiitis” caused by extended play on the Nintendo Wii video game system. So if you're expecting to give or to get a Nintendo Wii this holiday season, then you might also want to invest in a personal trainer!

With the Wii video game system the player faces a video screen and moves a handheld controller that senses three-dimensional movements. And in the tennis game, the player makes the same arm movements as in the real game of tennis, however, a player often plays for many hours. Unlike in the real sports, physical strength and endurance are not limiting factors -- gamers are engrossed and don't realize they are exercising.

The down-side: Just like with any other physical activity ... you should stretch first. And, you should give your muscles a rest -- lay off the video games every other day!

The up-side: Wii seems to be a real source (that might be stretching it) of physical activity rather than just a video game; which is great for all those couch potatoes out there. Even better, it proves that you do like tennis ... so get off your lazy ass and go play a real game.

Via: CNN
For a review on Wii's handheld controllers, check out Notcot.com's review.