'Warming up' by playing physical games on the Nintendo Wii console could aid surgeons in the operating theatre, according to the findings of a new US study reported by the BBC this week.

Apparently, motion-controlled games based on delicate movements offer the best 'warm up', the gentle hand controls apparently proving a good lead into the subtleties of using a scalpel. That's the word from Banner Good Samaritan Medical Centre.

New Wii software will apparently even be developed, allowing surgeons to practice operating skills prior to entering the theatre. New Scientist report that in the study, gaming surgeons performed 50% better on tool control and in their overall performance than surgeons who did not play games.

"You don't gain a lot from swinging an imaginary tennis racket," revealed researcher Kanev Kohel. "The whole point about surgery is to execute small finely controlled movements with your hands, and that is exactly what you get with the Wii."

Marble Mania was judged the best game presently available

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, cool

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