The effectiveness of commercial brain-training games has been questioned in the media recently but one University of Wollongong academic still believes in the power of play.
Dr Stuart Johnstone, an associate professor in UOW's School of Psychology, is researching the use of simple computer games to improve impulse control, attention and memory in children.
Dr Johnstone said his own approach was very different to the training offered by commercial games.
"This notion of broad brain-training is not a bad thing," he said.
"It will keep you mentally active but ultimately you're not going to see many benefits in everyday life because it's not targeted.
"Ours is much more of a targeted approach and it has a purpose. In children, one of the key principles is for them to keep their mind on the job. If memory, impulse control and attention functions are operating reasonably well, it keeps them on the job in the classroom."
VOTE: Would you use video games to help your child concentrate?Dr Johnstone's study has been running for more than a year and 100 children, including a number with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), have taken part. Game tasks include visual searches, where children have to identify certain objects.
"We've had good reactions, although variable reactions," Dr Johnstone said.
"Parents have reported improvements, such as children being better able to follow through on tasks, and several parents have reported their kids are reading more, rather than going for the short-term stimulation of TV."
Dr Johnstone said he and his team were now keen to analyse the data collected, as well as develop the games for further research.
"We're only just dipping our toe into this research area now," he said.
"The motivation is to put something forward that isn't a chemical, to offer parents with kids with ADHD a non-drug alternative."
Dr Johnstone is still seeking children with ADHD to take part in his study. Contact 4221 4495 for more information.
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