Video games; there’s so much negativity around them. Growing up, it was probably a norm to hear parents telling their kids to ‘put that console away’ or else they would get grounded!
In fact, a large part of society has branded video games as a negative contributor to a child’s normal growth and development.
Moreover, a number of studies have shown that video games requiring minimal movement can adversely affect a child’s physical, as well as social development.
Counter-intuitively, there have also been numerous studies that have demonstrated the health benefits of gaming. That being said, here are 7 reasons why a video game a day can help keep the doctor away!
Video games serve as therapy for students suffering from chronic illnesses
A recent study conducted last year by the University of Utah revealed that children suffering from chronic illnesses such as Parkinson’s disease, depression, and autism showed signs of improvement when allowed to play specific games designed for the study. The children showed a marked enhancement in resilience, as well as developing a fighting spirit.
Researchers that conducted the study believe that the games had the ability to target specific neuronal mechanisms that triggered the children’s reward systems. This greatly helped improve the kids’ demeanors as they tackled the daily challenges of their illness.
Video games greatly advance a preschooler’s motor skills
One might think that letting their 5-year old spend a few hours in front of the TV with a video controller held in their petit hands is not such a good idea. On the contrary, it just might be doing them some justice.
Not only do interactive video games improve a developing child’s motor skills, but it can actually help them improve their concentration levels as they have to focus on one thing for a long period of time.
Video games reduce stress as well as depression
A study conducted by the 2009’s Annual Review of Cyber therapy and Telemedicine found that people who suffered from mental health issues, but happened to be gamers, were able to easily vent their aggression and frustration by indulging in video games.
That being said, perhaps trying out a couple of Arcade Games Online might just be the stress reliever one needs.
Video games provide relief from chronic pain
Video games just don’t provide an avenue of relief and healing of emotional pain, but can also assist those in sever physical pain. A study was conducted by the psychologists from the University of Washington.
In the process, they developed a game that assisted hospital patients suffering from chronic physical pain to greatly reduce their discomfort. The game in question was ‘Snow World.’
During the study, they noted that the patients that indulged in the video game required less pain medicine during their recuperation.
Video games can help improve one’s vision
Yes that’s right. Prior to what most parents believe, spending hours in front of the tv can actually improve one’s eyesight. In fact, fast-paced games such as ‘Call of duty’ require a lot of attention, and in turn, improve one’s eyesight thanks to increase levels of dopamine and adrenaline.