Get smart: Exercise and get off computer
Get smart: Exercise and get off computer
People playing computer games to train their brains might as well be playing Super Mario, new research suggests.
In a six-week study, experts found people who played online games designed to improve their cognitive skills didn't get any smarter.
More than 8,600 people aged 18 to 60 were asked to play online brain games designed by the researchers to improve their memory, reasoning and other skills for at least 10 minutes a day, three times a week.
Researchers said the people who did the brain training didn't do any better on the test after six weeks than people who had simply been on the Internet. On some sections of the test, the people who surfed the Net scored higher than those playing the games.
"If you're (playing these games) because they're fun, that's absolutely fine," said Adrian Owen, assistant director of the Cognition and Brain Sciences unit at Britain's Medical Research Council, the study's lead author. "But if you're expecting (these games) to improve your I.Q., our data suggests this isn't the case," he said during a press briefing on Tuesday.
Computer games available online and marketed by companies like Nintendo that supposedly enhance memory, reasoning and other cognitive skills are played by millions of people worldwide, though few studies have examined if the games work.
"There is precious little evidence to suggest the skills used in these games transfer to the real world," said Art Kramer, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at the University of Illinois. He was not linked to the study and has no ties to any companies that make brain training games.
Instead of playing brain games, Kramer said people would be better off getting some exercise. He said physical activity can spark new connections between neurons and produce new brain cells. "Fitness changes the building blocks of the brain's structure," he said.
"If you set the level for these games to a very high level where you don't get the answers very often and it really annoys you, then it may be useful," said Philip Adey, an emeritus professor of psychology and neuroscience at King's College in London.
If people are enjoying the brain games, Adey said they probably aren't being challenged and might as well be playing a regular video game.
He said people should consider learning a new language or sport if they really wanted to improve their brain power. "To stimulate the intellect, you need a real challenge," Adey said, adding computer games were not an easy shortcut. "Getting smart is hard work."
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- Posted on April 21, 2010
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I love New Super Mario bros wii. Because you can be Mario,Luigi,Toads and you can ride on Yoshi. Also you can travel New worlds. Boswer , wiz guy and Koppas kids goombas, koppas,dry bones,Parrana Plants, Chep cheps ,Boo,King Boo, Spikies,Cloudie,Wigles,Venom Mario and Ice Thowers.That's why I love New super Mario bros wii.Yahoo!
i love news, super MARIO, Krazi, and the Turtles and LIttle Bowser. There are like these little ball things and when you hit them they turn red. They have some powers. The are 8 Bowsers and there are like flying turtles and pokey things. And there is a level 9.
I play video games all the time. I've never "gotten smarter" from any of them. Even video games designed to help you learn better thinking skills don't really challenge you unless you set the game to a very high difficulty level.
I'm not giving up the computer like that's the last thing I'll do like are you stupid are you going to give up a computer ?
I don''t think playing video games helps your I.Q. but it is a good way to pass "free" time like reading and watching TV. I think that you shouldn't play video games when you are not free because it doesn't really help you at all and you should be doing something more productive. Besides the people who just simply went through their daily routine got a better score than those who played brain-building video games.
Computers are used to talk,research,and play some games,but when you're bored you always need 2 get outside to exercise and play if you are bored or just go play with friends outside.
yeah it is time to get smart and get off the computer because if you dont you will regret it for the rest of your life cause when other people are moving on and going to college you will probaly be 17 as a sopmore so all that video game playin isnt worth it by a long shot so get you self off your but and stand on your own two feet and go out there and get a education
Computers don't help do anything besides talk, research and play little games. When you are bored you always need to be outside to play and get exercise.
Sure video games are fun but you are putting big risks on your body. The risks that you put on your body will change your life for a long time. Ex weight gain, crossed eyes, ext. those are just a few quick examples. Remember the next time you play a game remember you put your life in danger.
I'm not giving up the computer like that's the last thing I'll do like are you stupid are you going to give up a computer ?
I don''t think playing video games helps your I.Q. but it is a good way to pass "free" time like reading and watching TV. I think that you shouldn't play video games when you are not free because it doesn't really help you at all and you should be doing something more productive. Besides the people who just simply went through their daily routine got a better score than those who played brain-building video games.
Computers are used to talk,research,and play some games,but when you're bored you always need 2 get outside to exercise and play if you are bored or just go play with friends outside.
yeah it is time to get smart and get off the computer because if you dont you will regret it for the rest of your life cause when other people are moving on and going to college you will probaly be 17 as a sopmore so all that video game playin isnt worth it by a long shot so get you self off your but and stand on your own two feet and go out there and get a education
Computers don't help do anything besides talk, research and play little games. When you are bored you always need to be outside to play and get exercise.
Sure video games are fun but you are putting big risks on your body. The risks that you put on your body will change your life for a long time. Ex weight gain, crossed eyes, ext. those are just a few quick examples. Remember the next time you play a game remember you put your life in danger.
Sincerely,
01WILLD