Video Games for Physical and Cognitive Fitness

Department Of Defense

Video games are taking on a new look with an increasing amount of game development centered on health, wellness and cognitive fitness. A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to attend a conference in Boston on the use of video games to improve health . I've been able to watch this conference's growth over the past five years in the quality of the games and activities being developed.

The conference was attended by a large number of practitioners along side small game developers and representatives as well as large companies. There were examples of games being used for education, treatment, rehabilitation, cognitive therapy and a wide range of other applications.

Overall, more research needs to be devoted to validating the effectiveness of off-the-shelf applications, and also aimed at developing new applications focused on providing specific cognitive, motor and educational goals. DCoE is currently fostering programs that look at the use of console-based game platforms, virtual environments, and PC-based systems to enhance outreach, treatment and rehabilitation. However much more work needs to be done.

Nevertheless, given the low-cost of game systems and the availability of physical and cognitive fitness games, any organization that has an open space or cubicle has room to provide a space for colleagues to have physical and cognitive workouts as a break from the stressors of the day. Anecdotally, civilian organizations that provide such areas to their workers report showing increased productivity and creativity. These areas not only help workers de-stress during lunch and work breaks, but also act as a congregation point for work discussions and increased team building.

Copyright 2009 by Department Of Defense