The research led by renowned neuroscientist Adrian Owen from Western University revealed intriguing findings about the effects of gaming and physical activity on cognitive and mental health. The study involved nearly 1,000 participants who completed various tasks, and the results indicated that while engaging in video games positively influenced cognitive skills, it did not significantly impact mental health. In contrast, individuals who adhered to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines by exercising over 150 minutes each week experienced improvements in mental well-being, although no corresponding enhancement in cognitive function was observed.
Owen, a professor of cognitive neuroscience and imaging at Western’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, explained, “While video gaming is linked to enhanced cognitive performance, it does not correlate with changes in mental health status. Conversely, increased physical activity is related to better mental health outcomes without affecting cognitive abilities.”
Notably, the study found that those who played video games for five or more hours a week exhibited cognitive performance akin to individuals almost 14 years younger. On the other hand, occasional gamers, logging less than five hours a week across various games, performed like individuals who were just over five years younger.
In terms of mental health outcomes, participants who met or surpassed the recommended 150 minutes of weekly physical activity were found to be 12% more likely to report no symptoms of depression and 9% more likely to be free of anxiety symptoms. Importantly, the data suggested that these mental health differences were not primarily influenced by participants with severe depression or anxiety; rather, physical activity appeared to make the most significant impact for those experiencing only mild symptoms or none at all.
The Link Between Mind and Body
While it may seem evident that there is a connection between our brain and body—such as experiencing difficulty concentrating when “hangry,” muscle tension in response to stress, or the calming effect of deep breathing—our understanding of how they influence one another remains limited.
The Western University team gained valuable insights into how lifestyle choices impact the long-term health of our brains through their recent survey. “The findings from this research could guide us all in selecting activities that foster healthy cognitive aging,” remarked Owen. Owen is set to share the study’s findings at the Science and Industry Museum on October 19, as part of the Manchester Science Festival, which runs from October 18 to 27. Attendees of the festival will also have the chance to participate in a pilot study aimed at exploring these results further.
While the online survey concentrated on long-term implications, the Western team invites festival participants to engage in a pilot study examining short-term cognitive improvements associated with exercise and gaming. Additionally, Owen will offer insights on how the brain processes sound and light through a creative project commissioned for the festival by the Squidsoup collective. This installation, titled “State of Mind,” draws inspiration from the renowned artist Piet Mondrian and features a captivating arrangement of LED lights set against an evocative soundscape.
