11/29/2016

VideoGamesMayImproveBrain'sConnectionsActionGamersHaveMoreGrayMatter

UNDER THE HOOD

Video Games May Improve Brain's Connections;

Action Gamers Have More Gray Matter
Apr 28, 2015 02:33 PM
By Lecia Bushak

Expert action video gamers showed improved connectivity in certain subregions of the
brain, the study found. Photo courtesy of Stefano Tinti / Shutterstock.com

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Amid the controversy around video games, more scientic evidence is

emerging that might allow us to view those action-packed computer or Xbox
games in a more positive light.
One new study, completed by researchers in China, examined the impact
intense video gaming had on certain brain subregions. They found that action
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video gamers, known simply as AVGs, had more gray matter as well as

improved connectivity in certain subregions of their brains. AVGs

were already

known to have improved attention skills and eye-hand coordination, and

previous research has shown that expert AVGs had more gray matter in the
brain, which is often associated with better cognitive function and memory.
In their introduction, the researchers note that little research has examined
the link between AVG experience and the plasticity of insula, an important
brain area for attentional and sensorimotor functions. They used functional
MRIs (fMRIs) to analyze the brains of 27 participants who were expert AVGs
people who were regional or national champions and compared them to 30
amateur AVGs. They concluded that AVG experts experienced an enhancement
between their anterior and posterior insular subregions. In other words, AVG
was associated with increased neuroplasticity, or the brains ability to change
and develop stronger connections, memory, and cognitive function.
Past research has highlighted video games eects on the brain; one study
found that playing video games frequently and intensely was associated with
more cortical thickness in the brain, or essentially more density in certain
brain regions. Storytelling in video games, meanwhile, may improve childrens
social skills and emotional abilities especially in those with autism. And
video games have also been found to improve memory and problem-solving
skills.
While all of these studies may shine a new light on video games, some skeptics
remained unconvinced of the benets of video games. One Reddit user,
DiogenesInHisJar, notes in response to the newest study that Id suspect that
if the two are exclusive, exercising 30 minutes a day is better for overall
cognition than video gaming. All tasks that take time will have a noticeable
eect on the brain. Its a plastic organ.
At any rate, the study is good news for people who play video games a lot.
Perhaps your brain won't turn to mush from staring at the computer or TV
screen all day, but it also goes without saying that getting outdoors every so
often, like your mom told you when you were 10, wouldn't hurt you either.
Source: Gong D, He H, Liu D, Ma W, Dong L, Luo C. Enhanced functional
connectivity and increased gray matter volume of insula related to action video
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game playing. Scientic Reports. 2015.

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Lecia Bushak
Lecia Bushak is a writer and reporter focusing on medical, science, and
international news. read more

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