FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
July 18, 2009       

American Osteopathic Association Supports
Physically Active Video Games as an Adjunct to Exercise Programs

(CHICAGO) — Once labeled an unhealthy activity, video games have received acknowledgement from the medical community that their use can be beneficial for one’s health.

Members of the American Osteopathic Association’s (AOA) House of Delegates approved a measure that physicians consider recommending physically active video games, such as those games that encourage players to perform traditional exercise routines in their homes, as an element of a patient’s fitness and therapeutic exercise program.

“As an osteopathic internist, I encourage my patients to increase their level of physical activity to help them improve their overall health. A few of my patients have found interactive video games to be a good fit for them in terms of flexibility and variety compared to traditional exercises,” said Geraldine T. O’Shea, D.O., a board-certified internist and chair of the Bureau on Scientific Affairs and Public Health, which submitted this policy. “I have since become a convert because I believe that any physical activity is better than none at all.”

The policy also authorizes the AOA to encourage additional research about the health benefits of using physically active video games as part of both an exercise routine and physical rehabilitation.

The AOA’s House of Delegates, comprised of more than 500 delegates representing osteopathic state medical associations, specialty societies, interns, residents and students from throughout the country, meets annually in July to set organizational policies and elect new officers.

The AOA proudly represents its professional family of more than 67,000 osteopathic physicians (D.O.s); promotes public health; encourages scientific research; serves as the primary certifying body for D.O.s; is the accrediting agency for osteopathic medical colleges; and has federal authority to accredit hospitals and other health care facilities. More information on D.O.s/osteopathic medicine can be found at www.osteopathic.org.

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Contact: 
Nicole Grady
(800) 621-1773, ext. 8038 (Toll free)
(312) 202-8038 (Office)
ngrady@osteopathic.org

Or

Mike Campea
(800) 621-1773, ext. 8043 (Toll free)
(312) 202-8043 (Office)
mcampea@osteopathic.org