title: Video game training to improve selective visual attention in older adults.
abstract: The current study investigated the effect of video game training on older adult's useful field of view performance (the UFOV® test). Fifty-eight older adult participants were randomized to receive practice with the target action game (Medal of Honor), a placebo control arcade game (Tetris), a clinically validated UFOV training program, or into a no contact control group. Examining pretest-posttest change in selective visual attention, the UFOV improved significantly more than the game groups; all three intervention groups improved significantly more than no-contact controls. There was a lack of difference between the two game conditions, differing from findings with younger adults. Discussion considers whether games posing less challenge might still be effective interventions for elders, and whether optimal training dosages should be higher.
authors.affiliation: School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Canada.
authors.forename: Patrícia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Belchior
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Marsiske
authors.forename: Shannon M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Sisco
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Yam
authors.forename: Daphne
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Bavelier
authors.forename: Karlene
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ball
authors.forename: William C
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: Mann
keywords: Aging; Older adults; Training; Videogames; Visual attention