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A Pilot Study on Video Game Training Effects on Visual Working Memory: Behavioral and Neural Insights
Héctor Hugo Alfaro-Cortés1, Sulema Torres-Ramos1, Israel Román-Godínez1
1División de Tecnologías para la Integración Ciber-Humana, Centro Universitario de Ciencias Exactas e Ingenierías, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44100, Mexico.
Brain Sciences
|February 26, 2025
Summary
Video games can enhance visual working memory (VWM) capacity and its neural activity. This study shows simple games improve behavioral and brain measures of VWM, suggesting their potential as accessible cognitive training tools.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Human-Computer Interaction
Background:
- Video games are explored as cognitive training tools for visual working memory (VWM).
- The efficacy and neural underpinnings of game-based VWM training require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of distinct video game training paradigms on VWM capacity.
- To investigate the neural correlates, specifically Negative Slow Wave (NSW) activity, associated with VWM changes.
Main Methods:
- Two groups completed 56 daily 20-minute training sessions using either a reaction-time or VWM-specific game.
- Behavioral metrics (accuracy, response times, Cowan's K) and EEG-measured NSW activity were assessed.
- Decision tree classification analyzed NSW patterns in relation to VWM capacity.
Main Results:
- Both training groups demonstrated improvements in behavioral VWM measures.
- NSW analyses confirmed a relationship between NSW patterns and VWM capacity, showing differences across groups, sessions, and set sizes.
- Classification models successfully differentiated NSW patterns linked to VWM performance.
Conclusions:
- Video game training can enhance both behavioral and neurophysiological aspects of VWM.
- Negative Slow Wave (NSW) activity serves as a neurophysiological marker of VWM capacity and is modifiable through training.
- Simple video games show promise as accessible tools for cognitive enhancement of VWM.
