Poster Information
| Title | Cognitive Processing Effects of Dance Video Game Training in Healthy Adults |
| Presenter(s) | Zawadi Williams-murray, Sabrina Ali, Adam Noah, Shaw Bronner and Atsumichi tachibana |
| Session | Conference Reception, Game Exhibition, and Poster Session |
| Time | Thursday, October 21, 7:00p-9:00p |
| Location | East Lansing Technology Innovation Center |
| Format | Poster Presentation |
| Description | Playing action video games appears to increase the speed of cognitive processing in multiple ways. Less information is available about the effect of exer-games on cognitive function. We hypothesized that Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) training improves executive control tasks including selective attention, response inhibition, interference control, and speeded responding, tested using the Stroop Test.
Seven healthy adults trained on DDR for 30 hours. Subjects were tested utilizing a computerized Stroop test, pre and post training. Comparisons of Stroop scores were made with paired t tests (p < 0.05). Early and late DDR gamescores were calculated to determine the effectiveness of game training. Pearson Product Moment correlations were made between gamescores and Stroop times. There was 12% (p = 0.02) improvement in color-match and 18% (p = 0.057) in word-match task. Correlations of gamescores to word-match were r = -0.70. These results suggest that DDR training contributed to improved executive control mechanisms as reflected in improved Stroop scores. Greater aerobic fitness has been associated with better performance on Stroop tests in children and older adults, but no relationship was observed in young adults. However, these results indirectly contradict those findings, as healthy adults demonstrated Stroop improvements. In another study, we measured changes in aerobic capacity and energy expenditure post DDR training and showed marked improvements, demonstrating the aerobic benefit of playing DDR. Improvements in executive control and visual selective attention, combined with perceptual processing speed, reaction time, and aerobic conditioning have important implications for individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities. |