Certain games available on mobile phones can test several cognitive abilities of individuals – mental flexibility, visual search capabilities and inhibition of responses. These games include popular choices like Tetris, Candy Crush Saga and Fruit Ninja.
The research involved 21 participants whose cognitive abilities were assessed using standardised tests. These individuals were then asked to play the mobile phone games for 10 minutes. Tetris, Candy Crush Saga and Fruit Ninja were selected for the study as they are relatively easier for players to get the hang of and requires intensive responses.
Data was collected through built-in sensors in the phones and showed the interactions of participants within the game. This enables connections to be drawn between the motor skills of participants and their cognitive performance, as it helps to measure the capabilities of participants in memory, visuo-spatial and visual search tasks.
As such, researchers conclude that the mobile games serve as a viable assessment for measuring brain function as they are more efficient than the traditional paper-based format. It is also easier to conduct multiple tests, and the games can be modified to assess particular cognitive functioning aspects.
Therefore, with the earlier detection of cognitive decline made possible, interventions for individuals who are at risk of cognitive disorders can be better developed. The discovery will also benefit those who suffered from stroke or traumatic brain injuries by helping them train their cognitive abilities.
Category(s):Cognitive Problems Amnesia / Dementia
Source material from Science Daily
