UGA researcher using Wii to study how the physical affects the mental
Lots of teachers and parents worry video games will rot kids' minds, but a new study at the University of Georgia could prove some games may help improve their ability to concentrate.
"(The study) has a lot of implications to the classroom for children," said John Best, a UGA graduate assistant in the department of psychology who is conducting the research as part of his thesis.
"I'm looking at how an aerobic activity can have an immediate effect on a child's cognitive functioning," Best said. "One aspect I'm particularly interested in is a child's ability to ignore irrelevant stimuli and pay attention to pertinent stimuli."
Best is using the Nintendo Wii video gaming system, asking study participants to play a game that demands they jog or hop in place. As with other Wii games, the player watches himself as a character in the game, while a vinyl pad records the player's foot movements. When the player walks or runs, the character in the game moves the same way.
While the game tests a participant's endurance, he also must use his timing skills to navigate over barrels or hurdles that pop up on the television screen.
"Everyone realizes that exercise can improve your physical appearance," Best said. "But I think it not only benefits your body - it can also make you mentally fit. I think that's important research."
Best began the study this summer, and so far, has tested 30 elementary school-age children.
In the real world, Bes
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