The fitness benefits of playing Nintendo's Wii have been a subject of discussion ever since the console was first released. In fact, anyone who's engaged in an intense session of Wii Sports Tennis or Boxing will surely testify that an ensuing case of the sweats and aching muscles is proof enough of the machine's effects on the body. Today, however, eggheads at the International Sports Sciences Association have backed the claims of many a breathless gamer, scientifically testifying that playing the Wii can be good for you.

Dr. Josh Trout, Professor of Kinesiology at California State University Chico, explains that any kind of technology-based activity can be a positive exercising experience for everybody.

"De-conditioned and obese individuals will find it fun to play and gain aerobic movement out of the games. Seniors can enjoy gentle movements of bowling and golfing. Youth become a part of the game and don't just turn into vegetables in front of the TV."

"Video games sometimes serve as a springboard to the real sports, and believe it or not, it was actually recommended by my son's football coach that he play Madden 2007 to learn the plays that they want to implement in the coming season," said Dr. Trout.

One Mickey DeLorenzo recently undertook a blog-recorded experiment to discover whether a daily routine of playing Wii Sports could help him lose weight.

DeLorenzo, a 25-year-old resident of Philadelphia interspersed a half-hour dose of Wii Sports a day with regular exercise and a balanced diet. Amongst other factors, he monitored his weight, BMI (body mass index) and calories burnt per session. After six weeks the results of his test showed a loss of nine pounds and a rise in his physical condition from 'acceptable' to 'fitness' according to The American Council on Exercise. His website sees him boasting his weight loss, while the success of his experiment has led to a flurry of media exposure and a book deal with a successful New York publisher.