Virtual Relief

Study suggests that video games may relieve chronic pain.

By Cynthia Dermody
From Reader's Digest
Advertisement
 
Benefits of video games
comstockcomplete.com
Video games can distract you from pain.
Image
The games distract you from the pain. Your brain focuses more attention on the video game, and less on the pain.
It's easy to tune out the rest of the world when you're playing a video game. Now researchers are discovering that entering such an intense play zone is an effective way to cope with pain.

In a study at Wheeling Jesuit University in West Virginia, 27 people played video games for ten minutes, each keeping one hand and forearm in a container of freezing water. Those playing sports and fighting games kept their hands submerged for a minute and a half longer than those playing puzzle and arcade games.

How does it help? It's all about distraction, says study author Bryan Raudenbush, PhD, a professor of psychology. "The games distract you from the pain. Your brain focuses more attention on the video game, and less on the pain." And sports and fighting games are especially beneficial, since they require a greater level of concentration than slower-paced challenges.

From Reader's Digest - July 2006
 
Must Read Should Everyone Read This? Yes! I vote for this story
Share Your Comments
Post a Comment
 
Remaining Character Count:
 
Virtual games give chronic pain! To avoid back pain use Ergositter a back stretching chair that takes away the continually load from your spine. Prolonged seating gives disc problems and in the long run you will get pain. To avoid that stretching out your back frequently . How it works: http://ergositter.com/en/animering_en.htm greetings from Sweden. Tommi Wallinus

By Wallinus, on 02/22/2009

See All Comments

Advertisement
 
Related Links

Advertisement

Digg

Popular stories from the source site rd.com sorted by diggs
Powered by Digg's Users