Looks like the Wii fever is catching on: the console is being used as a physical therapy agent at WakeMed, in North Carolina.

The idea is believed to have been first used in Glenrose Hospital in Canada, who saw Albert Liaw, who suffered brain injuries, gain back his locomotor functions by playing boxing in Wii Sports. This time around, Stephanie Mzcynski, who could barely move a month ago, and Alshaye Jones, who suffered a spinal injury, are both well on their way to being rehabilitated.

Although Wii therapy was first used in Canada, the idea was suggested by someone delivering wheelchairs (and owned a console himself) to the doctors down at WakeMed.

Dana Ryan, director of therapy, says that patients find playing the Wii fun so they don't really see the activity as therapy, which helps motivate them. Another advantage to the Wii therapy is that it can be done at home, so patients who are found strong enough to be discharged from the hospital can continue their own personal therapies at home with family and friends.