Cognitive training with casual video games: points to consider

Abstract

Brain training programs have proliferated in recent years, with claims that video games or computer-based tasks can broadly enhance cognitive function. However, benefits are commonly seen only in trained tasks. Assessing generalized improvement and practicality of laboratory exercises complicates interpretation and application of findings. In this study, we addressed these issues by using active control groups, training tasks that more closely resemble real-world demands and multiple tests to determine transfer of training. We examined whether casual video games can broadly improve cognition, and selected training games from a study of the relationship between game performance and cognitive abilities. A total of 209 young adults were randomized into a working memory–reasoning group, an adaptive working memory–reasoning group, an active control game group, and a no-contact control group. Before and after 15 h of training, participants completed tests of reasoning, working memory, attention, episodic memory, perceptual speed, and self-report measures of executive function, game experience, perceived improvement, knowledge of brain training research, and game play outside the laboratory. Participants improved on the training games, but transfer to untrained tasks was limited. No group showed gains in reasoning, working memory, episodic memory, or perceptual speed, but the working memory–reasoning groups improved in divided attention, with better performance in an attention-demanding game, a decreased attentional blink and smaller trail-making costs. Perceived improvements did not differ across training groups and those with low reasoning ability at baseline showed larger gains. Although there are important caveats, our study sheds light on the mixed effects in the training and transfer literature and offers a novel and potentially practical training approach. Still, more research is needed to determine the real-world benefits of computer programs such as casual games.

Intensive Auditory Cognitive Training Improves Verbal Memory in Adolescents and Young Adults at Clinical High Risk for Psychosis

“…5 A WHO survey in 2010 found that 55% of adolescent males and 20% of females reported computer gaming more than 2 hours daily; presumably CHR individuals fall within this general range. 27 The findings on the cognitive effects of casual video games in healthy young adults are very mixed, and while some of them do appear to drive gains in visual processing and visual attentional control, some studies have shown that they are associated with changes in cognitive strategies (eg, Baniqued et al 28 ; see Shams et al 29 for a review). Furthermore, surprisingly few studies have examined the effects of video game exposure on verbal memory in either healthy or cognitively impaired individuals.…”

Individual Case Study: Improved Memory Functioning following Neurocognitive Training in a Diagnosed TBI patient

“…Only modest support was shown for the potential of videogame training to improve cognitive function in healthy older adults and another study revealed only specific effects [6]. The transfer of training to real life improvement was seen as offering mixed results [7][8][9]. Finally, another study revealed that an active lifestyle was more effective than the effect of short term training interventions as impacting cognitive change over time in a dementia risk group.…”

Tracking rehabilitative progress with Fitts and starts Performance measures in a tablet game for hemi-spatial neglect patients.

“…However, it leaves time for patients to improve their situation on their own time even while in rehabilitation centers. Games are now being sought as a means to tap into the intrinsic motivation they promote and research investigates to what degree, for example, causal games train cognitive abilities [1]. We believe that purpose-built games that provide more feedback and are simple for patients to understand are better suited for rehabilitation.…”