Video games as a tool to train visual skills

Restor Neurol Neurosci. 2008;26(4-5):435-46.

Abstract

Purpose: Adult brain plasticity, although possible, is often difficult to elicit. Training regimens in adults can produce specific improvements on the trained task without leading to general enhancements that would improve quality of life. This paper considers the case of playing action video games as a way to induce widespread enhancement in vision.

Conclusions: We review the range of visual skills altered by action video game playing as well as the game components important in promoting visual plasticity. Further, we discuss what these results might mean in terms of rehabilitation for different patient populations.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Attention / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Photic Stimulation / methods
  • Psychomotor Performance / physiology*
  • Video Games* / trends
  • Vision Disorders / rehabilitation
  • Visual Fields / physiology
  • Visual Perception*