A recent large-scale study conducted by Western University has shed light on the ways that video games and exercise impact cognitive abilities and mental health. This study, led by neuroscientist Adrian Owen, revealed that while playing video games can enhance cognitive function, regular physical exercise improves mental well-being. The research showed that these two activities operate independently, each providing benefits without influencing the other’s effects.
The study, involving over 2,000 participants from around the world, examined how lifestyle choices like video gaming and exercise affect brain and mental health. Participants completed online brain games, designed to measure cognitive abilities such as memory, attention, and reasoning. These games revealed that frequent gamers performed significantly better on cognitive tasks compared to non-gamers. Those who played video games for five or more hours per week scored as if they were nearly 14 years younger than their actual age. Even individuals who played less frequently—under five hours per week—showed cognitive benefits, performing as if they were about five years younger.
In contrast, physical exercise did not yield similar cognitive improvements but had a noticeable effect on mental health. Participants who exercised more than 150 minutes per week, as recommended by the World Health Organization, WHO, were 12% more likely to report no symptoms of depression and 9% more likely to experience no anxiety. The mental health benefits were most apparent in individuals with mild or no pre-existing mental health issues. Despite these findings, the study did not observe any overlap between the cognitive benefits of video games and the mental health benefits of exercise.
This separation of effects challenges common assumptions about the brain-body connection, which suggests that physical activity should enhance both cognitive and mental health. While exercise did not appear to improve cognition, it was clear that it played an essential role in emotional well-being. On the other hand, video gaming sharpened cognitive abilities without influencing emotional states, showing that these activities operate on different pathways in the brain.
The study’s findings offer practical insights into promoting both cognitive health and mental well-being. With video games improving cognitive functions and exercise enhancing mood and reducing stress, individuals can tailor their activities based on their health goals. As the global population continues to age, understanding how these activities contribute to long-term brain health becomes increasingly important.
The research, part of the Brain and Body study, is a step forward in exploring how lifestyle choices impact cognitive and mental health independently. These insights provide valuable guidance for those seeking to improve their well-being, suggesting that engaging in both video gaming and regular exercise could lead to a more balanced approach to cognitive and emotional health.
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