Computer gaming in the mirror, using virtual in virtuality for improvement of neuro-cognition

Background and Aim: In the present study, the effects of the mortal Kombat-۲۰۱۱ game playing both in the normal condition and in the mirror on cognitive function, hormonal, brain homodynamic changes, and brain waves in normal volunteers was examined. Methods Saliva samples were collected from all of the participants before and after the game, for cortisol and alpha amylase evaluations. A PASAT software evaluation also was evaluated for cognitive purposes, before and after the game. Brain activity was evaluated using an EMOTIV Epoc۱۴ channel wireless EEG system and brain homodynamic changes also were measured by fNIRS system during the game. Paired t-test was used for data analysis and SPSS ver. ۱۸ and MATLAB ver. ۱۴b software were used. Results: Thirty-two players averaging ۲۰-۲۵ years participated in the game playing. First they fulfill a personal information form and sign it. Each gamer play Mortal Kombat-۲۰۱۱ video game in the LED monitor for ۱۲۰ sec and then indirectly through a mirror for next ۱۲۰ sec. Conclusion: The results showed that participants' EEG beta waves in the frontal and occipital regions tend to be coordinated which, reflects increased activity in these two parts of the brain cortex, which was doubled when the gamers were played in the mirror. Homodynamic evaluations showed the coordinated increment in the blood supply to the brain during the game compared to the base. Similar increment as mentioned for EEG was observed when they played in the mirror. Assessment of salivary cortisol and alpha amylase of the players before and after the match indicated that both of them were reduced. Results indicate that gaming has a beneficial effect on gamers' attention which becomes better when they play in the mirror.

کلیدواژه ها:

Computer Games ، Cortisol ، EEG ، fNIRS ، Mirror ، PASAT Software ، Stress