As we’ve already demonstrated, playing video games can positively affect the mind. Even if you don’t consider video games physical, they are. After all, it’s not uncommon for parents to link gaming with their children spending lengthy hours seated at a computer or on the couch.
However, this is not necessary.
Aside from the mental and physical benefits, gaming has changed in recent years.
Some of the physical benefits of gaming will be examined next.
Exergaming is a great way to get more exercise.
“Exergaming” is a term used to describe the physical benefits that can be gained by playing video games, and this is the idea behind video games that can double as a workout.
Examples of exergaming include Dance Revolution and Wii Fit. Mobile games like Pokemon Go, which see youngsters roaming the actual world while playing, also fall under this category.
Despite their aversion to going to the gym, many people have found that exergaming has made it possible to get the exercise they need. Additionally, folks with extremely busy schedules may find this a viable choice for getting in some practice.
Exergames allow you to have a moderate 30-minute workout from the comfort of your own home at any time of the day or night.
The flexibility of joints, balance, coordination and circulation are all aided by this exercise. Logging progress is common in many exergames. To encourage players to work, even more, goal-setting is an option.
It is possible to alleviate discomfort by playing video games.
Researchers from the University of Maryland and the University of Southern California presented their findings at the annual meeting of the American Pain Society in 2010.
Chronic disease and medical procedures were made more bearable through games that emphasised virtual reality. Burn sufferers who received treatment reported a 30-50% reduction in pain.
Aside from the obvious benefits of playing video games, researchers also found that it helps divert the brain from focusing solely on pain feelings.
The production of endorphins in the brain due to gaming is a bonus. Most people associate happiness with the release of endorphins, which has the effect of dulling the pain related to the experience.
Participating in video games can assist develop one’s fine motor abilities.
Did you know that playing video games can help you develop better hand-eye coordination?
The PLOS One Medical Journal published research in 2013 that looked into surgeons enjoying Nintendo Wii games. Gaming has been demonstrated to improve surgeons’ muscular control and hand-eye coordination, and the ability to do both of these things is a need in their field.
Doctors who play video games for an average of three hours a week are less likely to make mistakes in surgery and accomplish tasks more quickly than their colleagues who do not participate in gaming.
Video games that put you in the driver’s seat increase your peripheral vision.
Researchers at the University of Rochester found that first-person shooter games increased players’ tolerance for a broader range of colour colours than previously thought. It was found that two distinct gaming populations were studied.
Call of Duty was sent to a group of professional action players, while The Sims was given to more casual gamers.
The contrast sensitivity function increased among those who played Call of Duty. Image brightness variations can be picked up on even when they are small.
When driving at night, seeing bright spots, which is one of the first visual abilities to degrade with age, is critical.
Video games can be utilised for physical rehabilitation.
Dr Debbie Rand of Tel Aviv University undertook a study to assist stroke victims in recovering more quickly and affordably.
Patients who had suffered a stroke between one and seven years prior were used in the study. Afterwards, they were divided into two separate groups. Traditional rehabilitation exercises were employed by the first group, while video games were used by the second.
Regaining grip strength was a noticeable improvement for both groups. As time passed, the benefits of using video games became more apparent. After the treatment, the group that played video games enhanced their hand strength.
Both the number of arm movements per session and the goal-oriented nature of their training made them more effective.