A recent large-scale study has uncovered intriguing insights into how video gaming and physical exercise uniquely influence cognitive abilities and mental health. Conducted as part of the Brain and Body study, a collaboration between Western University and the Science and Industry Museum for the Manchester Science Festival, the research involved over 2,000 participants worldwide. A preprint detailing these findings was published on PsyArXiv.
Participants completed lifestyle surveys followed by engaging in Creyos online brain games designed to measure various cognitive functions, including memory, attention, reasoning, and verbal skills. The study, led by renowned neuroscientist Adrian Owen from Western’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, revealed that among approximately 1,000 individuals who completed all tasks, playing video games positively impacted cognitive performance but did not significantly affect mental health.
In contrast, adhering to recommended physical activity guidelines—specifically exercising for more than 150 minutes per week—was associated with improved mental well-being. However, this level of exercise did not appear to enhance cognitive function. “Playing video games was linked to better cognitive abilities without affecting mental health outcomes,” explained Owen. “Conversely, increased physical activity correlated with improved mental health but did not translate to enhanced cognitive performance.”
The analysis indicated that frequent gamers (those playing five or more hours weekly for a single type of game) performed cognitively like individuals nearly 14 years younger on average. Infrequent gamers (less than five hours per week across all types) showed performance akin to those about five years younger.
Further exploring mental health outcomes, participants who met or exceeded the WHO’s recommendation for physical activity were found to be 12% more likely to report no symptoms of depression and 9% more likely to exhibit no anxiety symptoms. Importantly, these improvements in mental health were most pronounced among individuals experiencing mild or absent symptoms rather than those with severe conditions.
Despite common knowledge about the brain-body connection—such as how hunger affects focus or stress induces muscle tension—the mechanisms behind these interactions remain largely unexplored. The survey data contributed valuable insights into how lifestyle choices relate to long-term brain health.
“The results from this study could guide us in selecting activities that promote healthy cognitive aging,” noted Owen.
Owen will present these findings at the Science and Industry Museum on October 19 during the Manchester Science Festival running from October 18-27. Attendees will also have an opportunity to participate in a pilot study investigating short-term cognitive improvements stemming from exercise and gaming activities.
Additionally, Owen will share his insights into how the brain processes sound and light through an artistic installation created by the Squidsoup collective for the festival. Titled “State of Mind,” this immersive experience features a three-dimensional arrangement of LED lights set within a captivating soundscape inspired by Piet Mondrian’s work.
This comprehensive exploration highlights distinct pathways through which video gaming enhances cognition while regular physical activity bolsters mental well-being—offering new perspectives on promoting overall health through lifestyle choices.
Published on October 17, 2024 and Last Updated on October 17, 2024 by: Priyank Pandey
