Video
games which involve physical activity significantly boost our brain health as
we get older, according to new research led by University of Manchester
experts.
Study
authors Dr Emma Stanmore and Joseph Firth say systems that use physical
activity for gaming such as Wii and Xbox Kinect can boost brain
functioning in people with neurological impairment, as well as keeping our
minds healthy and active as we age.
In
the first ever analysis of all published evidence, the researchers aggregated
data from 17 clinical trials examining the effects of active gaming on cognitive
functioning across 926 people.
It
is published in the journal Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, and
was a collaboration between The University of Manchester, King's College
London, KU Leuven and ETH Zurich.
Joseph
Firth said: "As people age, their brain functioning, such as memory,
concentration and spatial awareness naturally decline.
"Various
neurological conditions such Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, mild cognitive
impairment, and dementia can also impede people's cognitive functioning
and reduce their ability to function day to day.
"Recently,
there has been much interest in using active video
games in the rehabilitation of these conditions, and to promote
healthy aging.
"So
we were fascinated to learn that the available evidence shows how these sort of
games can significantly improve overall cognitive functioning, and is
particularly beneficial for attention, executive functioning and visuospatial
abilities.
"Physically-active
video games have, according to our research, greater impact on brain
functioning than regular physical activity alone – suggesting that their
benefits are more than just moving around."
Dr
Stanmore has just completed a randomised
controlled trial in 18 sites in Manchester and Glasgow.
The
trial showed that MIRA games improved balance, pain and fear of falling after
12 weeks' use.
She
said: "Our research shows the potential of active video games that can be
used independently at home and remotely supervised by therapists .
"The
brain benefits may be because these activities are physically demanding, while
also requiring concentration and cognitive effort, resulting in positive
effects for body and brain.
"We
hope this research will encourage the NHS and social services to take up active
gaming as part of their support packages- as some are already starting to
do."
More information: Emma Stanmore et al.
The effect of active video games on cognitive functioning in clinical and
non-clinical populations: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, Neuroscience
& Biobehavioral Reviews (2017). DOI:
10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.04.011
Provided by: University of Manchester
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2017-05-video-gaming-good-brain-health.html
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