Video games as a tool to train visual skills

Issue title: Visual Plasticity, Restoration and Rehabilitation

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Achtman, R.L. | Green, C.S. | Bavelier, D.

Affiliations: Department of Brain & Cognitive Sciences, Center for Visual Sciences, University of Rochester, RC 270268, Meliora Hall, Rochester, NY 14627-0268, USA

Note: [] Corresponding author. Tel.: +1 585 273 5323; Fax: +1 585 442 9246; E-mail: rachtman@bcs.rochester.edu

Abstract: Purpose: Adult brain plasticity, although possible, is often difficult to elicit. Training regimens in adults can produce specific improvements on the trained task without leading to general enhancements that would improve quality of life. This paper considers the case of playing action video games as a way to induce widespread enhancement in vision. Conclusions: We review the range of visual skills altered by action video game playing as well as the game components important in promoting visual plasticity. Further, we discuss what these results might mean in terms of rehabilitation for different patient populations.

Keywords: Video games, perceptual learning, plasticity, visual attention, rehabilitation

Journal: Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience, vol. 26, no. 4-5, pp. 435-446, 2008