The effects of single bouts of aerobic exercise, exergaming, and videogame play on cognitive control.

Clinical Neurophysiology. 2011 Aug;122(8):1518-25. Kevin C. O’Leary, Matthew B. Pontifex, Mark R. Scudder, Michael L. Brown, Charles H. Hillman Department of Kinesiology & Community Health, 317 Louise Freer Hall, 906 South Goodwin Avenue, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA

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Abstract Objective The effects of single bouts of aerobic exercise, exergaming, and action videogame play on event-related brain potentials (ERPs) and task performance indices of cognitive control were investigated using a modified flanker task that manipulated demands of attentional inhibition. Methods Participants completed four counterbalanced sessions of 20min of activity intervention (i.e., seated rest, seated videogame play, and treadmill-based and exergame-based aerobic exercise at 60% HRmax) followed by cognitive testing once heart rate (HR) returned to within 10% of pre-activity levels. Results Results indicated decreased RT interference following treadmill exercise relative to seated rest and videogame play. P3 amplitude was increased following treadmill exercise relative to rest, suggesting an increased allocation of attentional resources during stimulus engagement. The seated videogame and exergame conditions did not differ from any other condition. Conclusions The findings indicate that single bouts of treadmill exercise may improve cognitive control through an increase in the allocation of attentional resources and greater interference control during cognitively demanding tasks. However, similar benefits may not be derived following short bouts of aerobic exergaming or seated videogame participation. Significance Although exergames may increase physical activity participation, they may not exert the same benefits to brain and cognition as more traditional physical activity behaviors. Click here for more

Effects of an Interactive Video Game (Nintendo Wii™) on Older Women with Mild Cognitive Impairment

THERAPEUTIC RECREATION JOURNAL Vol,. XLIV, No. 4 • 271-287 • 2010

Elizabeth H. Weybright, CTRS
John Dattilo
Frank R. Rusch

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Abstract
Older adults with a cognitive impairment in residential care settings are often found
to be inactive throughout the day. Participation in video games holds promise for these
individuals; however, effects of video games played by older adults have not been studied
consistently and the few studies conducted have yielded mixed results. The purpose of
this study was to examine effects of an interactive video game (Nintendo Wii'" bowling)
on attention to task and positive affect of older adult women with mild cognitive impairment. A single-subject, multiple baseline design comparing a television viewing phase
and an interactive video game phase was conducted using observational measures. Results
indicated that both participants attended to task more and demonstrated higher levels of
positive affect while engaged in the interactive video game as compared to baseline. The
low-impact activity of the Nintendo Wii" bowling program may provide the appropriate amount of physical and mental challenge and stimulation for older adults with mild
cognitive impairments.

KEYWORDS: Interactive video game, mild cognitive impairment, older adult,
recreation

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Neuropsychological Testing Through a Nintendo Wii® Console

Gamberini L, Cardullo S, Seraglia B, Bordin A.

University of Padova, Department of General Psychology, Padova, Italy. luciano.gamberini@unipd.it

Stud Health Technol Inform. 2010;154:29-3

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Abstract
In recent years, videogames have demonstrated their positive effects in the psychological treatments and cognitive training of the old population. In this paper we present a pilot study in which a group of elderly people in an old people's home was requested to play a set of cognitive tasks administered through a popular videogames console, the Nintendo Wii. The results obtained by comparing the Wii cognitive games with traditional paper and pencil tests are described and discussed to orient further improvements.

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