Playing games such as boxing or tennis on the Nintendo Wii games console will contribute to the 30 minutes of exercise people should aim for on a daily basis, according to the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP).

A spokesperson from the trade union body stated that the console has a positive impact on those who may not be interested in sport and encourages consumers to get up off the sofa and become more physically active.

He added that the key to using the Wii safely and to avoid injuries while playing games is to be aware that it can exercise parts of the body that may not be used to such movement.

"People should use some appropriate warm-up techniques before playing one of the more demanding sports-based games," the spokesperson explained.

Meanwhile, it was recently reported by the Chicago Tribune that Sedgebrook retirement home in Illinois held a 20-person tournament on the Wii Sports game after it proved popular with residents.