ISU study looking at relationship between balance and video games
Researchers at Idaho State University are conducting a study testing the balance of video gamers and non-gamers. The purpose is to find if there is a correlation between balance issues and the amount of time people play video games.
For balance, your brain relies on three sensory inputs: vision, proprioception (or touch) and the vestibular system. There are some situations where these inputs send conflicting information. For example, when you drive for a long time, you see things moving, but really your body isn’t moving.
“That’s when you get the sensation of, ‘Let me get off the boat,'” said principal investigator Daniel Greenblatt. “You feel like you’re still moving and it takes a little while for the brain to readjust. To say, ‘OK, I’m not moving anymore. I can trust the inputs again.”
Greenblatt’s theory is the same thing happens when people play video games. When playing, it can be easy to immerse yourself into what’s going on in-game. All while sitting still, for the most part.
To test people’s balance, Greenblatt has created a series of tests with a challenge. In one instance you’ll have to have your eyes closed, in another the floor beneath you will move, in the third one the walls of the apparatus you’re in will move, etc.
If more gamers have balance issues, it could add another thing to look for when diagnosing imbalance.
“If we do find a correlation here it could be that this could be one of the factors we would want to talk to a patient about if they do play a lot of video games,” said Greenblatt.
Greenblatt said further study would have to be done to really get answers.
If you’re interested, Greenblatt is still looking for people to participate in the study.
Here are the requirements:
You have to be between 18and75years-old. You have to play video games for more than two hours a week. OR You have to play video games for less than two hours a week.
To set up an appointment, you can call Greenblatt at 858-610-4407 or email him at greedan5@isu.edu.
