A groundbreaking study led by neuroscientist Adrian Owen from Western University has found that playing video games significantly improves cognitive abilities, while regular physical exercise enhances mental health. However, the research revealed that these two activities do not influence each other’s benefits, debunking common assumptions about the brain-body connection. The large-scale study, dubbed the “Brain and Body” study, involved over 2,000 participants from around the world and provides valuable insights into how different lifestyle choices affect cognitive and mental wellbeing.
Video Games: A Boost for the Brain
One of the key findings of the study is that playing video games can lead to remarkable improvements in cognitive function. Participants who regularly engaged in gaming—defined as five or more hours per week—performed on cognitive tests as if they were nearly 14 years younger than their actual age. In contrast, those who played video games less frequently still saw cognitive benefits, performing as if they were about five years younger.
The participants took part in Creyos online brain games, designed to assess cognitive abilities such as memory, attention, and reasoning. According to Owen, “Playing video games was associated with improved cognitive abilities but not better or worse mental health,” highlighting how gaming can sharpen mental acuity without necessarily impacting emotional wellbeing.
The Mental Health Benefits of Exercise
While video games improved cognitive skills, regular exercise had a distinct impact on mental health. Participants who exercised more than 150 minutes per week—the amount recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO)—were 12% more likely to report no symptoms of depression and 9% more likely to experience no symptoms of anxiety. The mental health benefits were particularly notable in individuals with mild or no pre-existing mental health conditions, showcasing the positive effects of physical activity on emotional wellbeing.
Despite these benefits, the study did not find a direct link between exercise and improved cognitive performance. This suggests that while physical activity plays a crucial role in enhancing mood and reducing stress, it may not contribute to boosting cognitive functions in the same way that video gaming does.
Distinct Benefits, No Overlap
The study’s findings underscore the distinct and separate advantages of video gaming and physical exercise. While both activities offer significant benefits—cognitive for gaming and mental health for exercise—they do not seem to overlap in terms of their influence. This challenges the widely held belief that physical exercise automatically improves cognitive function due to its brain-boosting effects.
Owen highlighted the importance of the results, saying, “The findings could help all of us choose activities that promote healthy cognitive aging.” He added that while both activities are beneficial, individuals might need to adopt different strategies depending on whether they are looking to improve mental health or enhance cognitive function.
Exploring Brain-Body Connections
The Brain and Body study provides new insights into how different lifestyle choices contribute to overall wellbeing. While much has been said about the connection between physical and mental health, this study reveals that these aspects of health may operate more independently than previously thought.
Owen will present the findings at the Manchester Science Festival, where visitors can also participate in a follow-up pilot study. This pilot will explore the short-term effects of exercise and gaming on cognition, offering more opportunities to deepen understanding of the brain-body relationship.
Implications for Healthy Aging
As the population ages, understanding how to maintain cognitive and mental health becomes increasingly important. The results of this study highlight that engaging in regular video gaming could be a valuable tool for staying mentally sharp, while physical activity remains key for maintaining emotional balance. These findings open up new possibilities for promoting healthy aging and improving overall quality of life.
For individuals seeking a balanced approach to cognitive and mental wellbeing, incorporating both video gaming and regular exercise into their routines may offer the best of both worlds, each benefiting different aspects of their health.
