A tweaked version of the music game is providing a big boost in prosthetic research.

Though Wiihabilitation continues to be popular among doctors seeking to help patients through physical therapy, researchers at John Hopkins University have cranked the volume on the concept to 11. By modifying the controller for Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock to interface with cutting edge prosthetic technology, they've made it possible for amputees to shred their way through the game with surprising accuracy.

The research is part of a project being sponsored by the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, and the true goal is not to nail a high score in the music game. Rather, the aim is to eventually perfect an extremely realistic prosthetic limb that mimics a real arm - including finger movement. Several prototypes have already been developed thorough the project.