Playing tennis on a new-generation TV game console over a prolonged period of time may give you "tennis elbow" due to muscle overstrain and fatigue.
For some individuals, the strong repetitive flashing and flickering lights during the game may even trigger off epilepsy.
This health hazard advice was contained in a Consumer Council test report on TV game consoles, conducted under the supervision of Euroconsumers (with participating consumer organizations from Belgium, Italy, Spain and Portugal).
The samples were evaluated and compared for their console specifications, controls, games, internet functions, and multi-media playing capability.
In general, all (3) tested models, available to consumers here, were shown to possess their own features and capability that make them an interesting choice to their users.
But experts from both the Hong Kong Physiotherapy Association and the Hong Kong Medical Association called for caution in playing on some new generation TV game consoles which simulate the playing of different sports (e.g. tennis, golf, etc.) in real life involving active body movement and muscle activity.
Consumers are advised to refrain from excessive prolonged playing of such TV games, and to avoid overstraining and fatigue of the forearm muscle.
Parents are also advised to give suitable guidance to their children who may be easily drawn to the very attractive beautiful graphics of TV games and interesting game portfolio. A balance should be struck between TV games and daily life.
More consumer guidelines on health considerations in playing with TV game consoles:
- Be cautious in playing with motion sensitive controls
Players are advised to do warm-up and stretching exercises before playing as there are active body movement and muscle activity involved in the game. Pay extra attention in applying force and controlling of these hand-held devices.
- Take short breaks during game
Take 3 to 5 minutes short break in every one hour of game play; total duration should be limited to 1 to 2 hours at a time.
- Try to have a balanced life
Youngsters and students in particular should learn to strike a balance between playing TV games and participating in real sports and extra-curricular activities.
- The importance of real-social life
Do not over-engage in the TV game and virtual game worlds. They should recognize the importance of making friends through normal social activities.
- Parents to give suitable guidance and advice
Parents should take the initiative to understand the needs of their children and give suitable supervision and advice if necessary.
For details of the test and shopping tips, consumers can consult the report in this (July) issue of CHOICE.
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