Facta about Video Games

This are a few facts facts that I found about video games that I thought were interesting:

1) They May Help Dyslexic Kids Read Better

In February, the Italian researchers presented evidence that playing fast-paced video games can improve the reading skills of children with dyslexia.The team separated children age 7 to 13 into two groups, one of which played an action game called "Rayman Raving Rabids" while the other played a lower tempo game. When the reading skills of the children were tested afterwards, those who played the action game were capable of reading faster and more accurately.

2) Video Games can be a Pain Reliever

In 2010, researchers presented evidence at the American Pain Society's annual scientific meeting that video games, specifically ones with an emphasis on virtual reality, have proven effective in reducing anxiety or pain caused by medical procedures or chronic illness. The study found that when people undergoing chemotherapy or other serious treatments were immersed in a virtual gaming world, they reported significantly less stress and fear.

3) Video Games can be as Effective as One-on-One Counseling

In 2012, researchers in New Zealand created a novel way to treat depressed teenagerswith "SPARX," a video game designed to give therapy to kids in a way that was more fun and active than traditional counseling.The study included 168 teens with an average age of 15 that had previously sought help or struggled with depression. Half of the group was randomly assigned to "treatment as usual,” which was usually one-on-one counseling over five sessions. The other half played SPARX, a fantasy game where the subjects created avatars in order to squash “gloomy negative automatic thoughts,” and restore order in the virtual world. Each level taught players basic facts about depression, strategies for dealing with intense negative emotions and relaxation techniques.The results for the SPARX group were extremely encouraging. About 44 percent of SPARX players recovered completely from depression while only 26 percent of the control group were no longer depressed.