Yoga: Gamers can copy yoga poses like this using the Wii fit

But the popularity of more active video games has not been without its negative side. Osteopaths have reported a spate of injuries among adults who spend too long playing the games with their children.

Some of the worst injuries - muscle and neck pains already being categorised as Wii Strain - are suffered by competitive fathers trying to beat their children at virtual boxing and tennis.

Last year, pensioners bored with bowls and bridge started videogame competitions at their retirement home. Senior citizens at the Sunrise Home in Birmingham, some as old as 103, ditched their zimmer frames to play virtual sports on the Wii.