June 27th, 2008
Here in Canada it is the start of summer holidays for many students and with Canada Day falling on a Tuesday some smart people likely picked their holidays right to come up with a four-day weekend or even longer. If you and your kids are not heading to the beach or the cabin, this extra time off might mean rocking out.
However, if you or the kids are firing up Guitar Hero or Rock Band, do so with caution. ParetoLogic’s hometown daily, the Victoria Times Colonist, had a story this spring about how these video games, which kind of channel karaoke and air guitar, can cause repetitive strain injuries. In the article, a kinesiologist at McMaster University encourages gamers to think about their posture, relax their bodies when playing, keep their wrists straight and take breaks to avoid repetitive tendon or eye strain injuries.
There is some proof out there of the potential dangers of playing these games. Reportedly earlier this year Coldplay singer Chris Martin was driven to a hospital by his wife, Ironman beauty Gwyneth Paltrow, after hurting his wrist while playing Guitar Hero.
Back in 2006, Major League Baseball pitcher Joel Zumaya had to sit out for about a week due to a repetitive stress injury sustained while playing Guitar Hero. When Guitar Hero 2 was released the box for the XBox 360 version reportedly read:
“No pitchers were harmed in the making of this game. Except for one: Joel Zumaya. He had it coming.”
So, you have been warned. Be careful when you are rocking out during your summer celebrations.
Robin