Outside of genetic factors which can’t be controlled (at least until gene therapy becomes mainstream), there are a few things that are important for heart health such as reducing stress, eating healthy and regular physical exercise.

Those that have suffered a heart attack or a stroke are generally put on a strict regiment of healthy diet and regular exercise routines to improve recovery time and prevent the risk of complications. A recent study presented at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference 2010 demonstrated that stroke victims that play video games on the Nintendo Wii game console had better motor functions with the added bonus of calorie burning compared to those that did not.

The pilot study was based on 20 stroke victims that were randomized into two groups. Over a period of two months, for one hour a week, the patients would meet. The first group would play Jenga and card games while the second group would play the Wii games Wii Cooking Mama and Wii Tennis. At the end of the study period, the results were reviewed and the clear indication was improved motor function in the Wii group.

According to research director Gustavo Saposnik, “The beauty of virtual reality is that it applies the concept of repetitive tasks, high-intensity tasks, and task-specific activities that activates special neurons (called ‘mirror neuron system’) involved in mechanisms of cortical reorganization (brain plasticity). Effective rehabilitation calls for applying these principles.”

Saposnik does recognize that this was a small study group but the results were promising enough to warrant further research.

Via: Coolest Gadgets, CNET