People who play video games have greater mental and physical

abilities than those who don’t. That’s what two studies recently found out.

In the fi rst study, researchers from York University gave tricky mental tests to university students, some of whom regularly play video games.

“The people who were video-game players were better and faster performers,” said researcher Ellen Bialystok.

The researchers think this is because players are skilled at blocking out distractions to concentrate on what they’re doing.

This ability may help the players later in life. As people grow older, distractions become harder to ignore—which is one reason why elderly people often forget things. Perhaps players’ brains will stay in top shape as they age.

In the second study, researchers from the Beth Israel Medical Center and Iowa State

Video Games Benefit Both Brain and BodyPlayers become better at solving problems, thinking creatively, studies showGALADRIEL WATSONTHINKFAST NEWS AGENCY

University looked at surgeons. These doctors do a type of surgery in which they use a tiny camera to see inside the body. They then perform the surgery with remote-control tools.

In the study, the researchers tested surgeons on these skills. The surgeons who played video games often—at least three hours a week—performed the tasks faster than those who played less or never played at all. They also made fewer mistakes.

“I use the same hand-eye co-ordination to play video games as I use for surgery,” explained researcher Dr. James Rosser. Video-game players also develop faster ref lexes and are more accurate.

Nine-year-old Ashley Kittinger agrees video games are good. “I started playing Nintendo® when I was seven,” she said. “I used to have a hard time sitting still at school, but now when the teacher gives me work, I

pay attention and get it done right away.”

Since video games were introduced in the 1970s, many studies have proven their benefi ts. For example, players become better at solving problems, thinking creatively, and being logical.

Players’ eyes have to keep track of quickly changing objects, which means playing video games may help people with vision problems.

Even children’s fi tness levels can benefi t from playing video games, as long as the games involve movement, like dancing or virtually catching a ball.

Ashley’s father Paul sees another benefi t.

“Ashley usually has friends over when she plays,” he said. “They’re either competing against each other—laughing away—or working together to help the hero get his goal. I always thought playing video games would be lonely for Ashley, but it turns out it’s just the opposite.”

“I use the same hand-eye co-ordination to play video games as I use for surgery.”Dr. James Rosser, researcher

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Children who play video games may be less healthy and have more

behaviour problems than those who play rarely or not at all.

Researchers at Tohoku University in Japan recently discovered that playing video games may lead to poor behaviour.

The researchers had one group of children do simple math exercises. Another group played video games. Special equipment mapped what was going on in the children’s brains.

The study discovered that the children who did math used the frontal lobe of their brain. This lobe is important for learning, memory, emotion, and self-control. The children who played video games used only the parts of the brain that control vision and movement.

“The importance of this discovery cannot be underestimated,” said researcher Ryuta Kawashima.

Video Games Linked to Poor Behaviour and HealthChildren who play video games too much don’t do as well in school, studies revealGALADRIEL WATSONTHINKFAST NEWS AGENCY

That’s because the more the frontal lobe is used, the more it develops, giving a child better control over his or her behaviour.

This doesn’t mean children have to do math all the time, but it does mean that children who spend too much time playing video games may have less-developed frontal lobes—and less self-control.

Video games may also cause injury. Dr. Diana Macgregor, from Scotland’s Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital, recently discovered a new medical concern.

Nicknamed “Nintendonitis,” this type of injury is caused by performing the same actions again and again, as video-game players often do.

Scott Collins, age nine, knows fi rst-hand how too much playing can be painful.

“My wrists got so sore, I had to see a doctor,” Scott said. Players may also suffer from

backaches, headaches, and aching eyes, and may develop poor posture. Lack of exercise and frequent snacking while playing—often on junk foods—may result in weight problems and other health issues.

“We’re warning children to have fun, but to use games wisely,” said Dr. Macgregor. To prevent injury, players should take frequent breaks and do forearm and hand stretches.

After television, video games are the most popular form of home entertainment, despite these and other negative effects.

For example, studies have shown that children who play video games too much don’t do as well in school. They may not have time to

do other activities that might interest them, like skating or drawing. As well, they may interact less with other children than non-players, have fewer friends, and feel shyer.

Scott’s parents have seen these effects. “Sometimes Scott just won’t stop, even to go to bed,” said his mother Justine. “He rushes home from school and puts off his homework. He even said no to going to a friend’s birthday party last week because he wanted to stay home to play his game.”

“My wrists got so sore, I had to see a doctor,”Scott Collins, age nine

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