Video Games Are Actually Good For Mental Health
Earlier this year, a group of Canadian scientists released a study that proved what gamers have known for more than 20 years; video games are good for mental health.
According to the scientists, exergames (or games that require the players motion aka. motion-controlled gaming) can be good for brain function. Scientists reported that the combination of concentration and physical movement (required from many motion-enabled games) slows down the brain’s cognitive decline. Cognitive functions decline as people age, so the additional concentration and focus required to be successful at these games help stave off degeneration.
The study also shows that people who played these exergames proved to be physically healthier than those who do not. In addition to that, the study shows that these games increased one’s decision-making abilities (also known as executive function).
Hit the jump to read more.
Author’s Note: Regarding decision making functions; Could this be the reason why many twitch gamers (raised on first person shooters) are faster on their feet when making on-the-fly decisions? Is this a precursor to the use of Virtual Reality training for real-life situations? The US Army itself is showing more and more interest in adding VR simulation “games” to their training regimen.
The study had 100 volunteers in which 50 were sitting on a regual stationary bike and the other 50 sitting on bikes with attached to displays that simulated their progress in a virtual world, their virtual avatars biking as much as they did. The ones attached to the displays were able to compete with other people, simulate biking in different terrains (that affected the players pedaling speed), and challenge themselves with harder difficulty settings. These displays required a high amount of eye and foot coordination, physical exertion, as well as a lot of concentration.
At the end of study three months later, the volunteers were tested and people who were on the bike with gaming displays attached scored higher on most cognitive tests and had higher amount of blood plasma which is better for the brain.
That’s why over the last few years, many within the healthcare industry have turned their attention to the video game industry for it’s potential for creating games that can promote a healthier lifestyle through interactive motion entertainment (motion-controlled gaming). Not only that, many industries have been using games as a way to help improve trade skills through virtual reality training.
No it’s not the VR training that you’re probably thinking of. It doesn’t have you wearing goofy headsets that cover your entire head; it’s mostly video games that help increase coordination, logic, decision-making skills, and confidence. There’s even national programs like the California-based Health Games Research that research and develop games and programs that motivate players into changing their lives for the better.
Video games are not only fun, but they can also be a great addition to a healthy lifestyle. Games like puzzle and problem games require mental stimulation and problem-solving skills that cannot be done with other entertainment media. Games like Dance Central, Just Dance, UFC Personal Trainer, ZUMBA, and other motion-games require physical exertion that is almost always better for one’s health. Finally, online games provide players with disabilities, communication issues, and anxieties a place where they can communicate with others with realtively less amount of fear from judgement and from being ostracized.
But as gamers, we’ve already known this for many years right?
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Posted on August 10, 2012, in Gaming For Health and tagged entertainment, games, gaming, health, health and fitness, mental health, motion control, sports, video games. Bookmark the permalink. 4 Comments.
It’s certainly no surprise that such games like the Wii Fit or Active, anything that gets you up and moving around will be good for your health, whether physical or mental. But to take it one step further, even other type of non-physical games can be good for mental health also, such as puzzle or RPG games that make players “think” about puzzles to solve to further the story along… kind of like doing a crossword puzzle. It exercises the brain too. Good post. I totally agree, but it still doesn’t completely take the place of getting outside and being active.
Thanks for your reply!
I agree, I’d much rather be training at the gym or outside. Exergames still can’t replace the real thing. It’s a good addition to a training regimen though. And yes, games like Brain Age, Tetris, and other cognitive function puzzle games are quite good for stimulating the brain and is, in the end, helpful for one’s mental health.
It certainly should be no surprise that any type of exer-game like the Wii Fit or Active would be good for overall health, whether it be physical or mental. As long as it gets you up and moving. But to take it one step further, other games such as puzzle-types or RPGs are also good for mental health as it makes player’s “think” to solve puzzles to further along the game’s story or to unlock other items. It’s the same as doing a crossword puzzle. The more you are required to “think” things out, the more exercise your brain gets which in turn promotes good mental health. Though it may have it’s benefits, it still doesn’t come close to getting outside and being active. Good post.
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