Esports can improve focus and cognition, Japanese scientists say

New research from Japan indicates that esports, when used properly, could positively impact our focus and cognition. 

Esports is slowly but surely getting a better reputation, just like traditional sports previously had to. A few years ago, there were complaints that “ball games” were a bad influence on young people, but the view has since been reversed to the opposite. And the same is seemingly happening to esports.

More focus through esports

Led by Dr. Toshitaka Yamakawa, the research team at Kumamoto University’s Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology suggests that an increase in one’s concentration could prevent gaming addiction. Furthermore, measuring the changes and increases in focus and cognition could prove useful also in developing tools for improving concentration and preventing addiction.

The same conclusion was reached by the study led by Kyushu Sangyo University’s Faculty of Human Sciences professor Goichi Hagiwara, who used Mario Kart as a base for the research.

Possible benefits of esports

Dr. Yamakawa’s study was aimed at optimizing the benefits of esports by monitoring its impact on the mental state of players. To detect an increase in cognitive abilities during play, they experimented with a unique wearable device developed for this purpose. The team believes that this method can determine the most effective use of esports for individuals.

The study utilized the HRV index, which is a safe and non-invasive way of measuring changes in the autonomic nervous system. It is commonly used to diagnose cardiovascular disease and evaluate mental states such as stress, sleepiness, and emotions. The study also explored the connection between the HRV index and improved cognitive performance resulting from esports, and the results indicate that there may be a correlation between the HRV index and cognition.

To assess cognitive abilities, the team utilized both the paper and app versions of the Stroop Effect test (ST and STapp). The tests were administered before and after the training period and esports tasks. The study involved twenty participants, who were divided into a “training group” and a “non-training group”. The first group played Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for at least an hour a day, five days a week. After the six-week period, both groups took a Stroop effect test to evaluate their cognitive abilities.

The app version of the test (STapp) showed that the reaction times of the training group improved significantly, indicating a temporary improvement in cognitive abilities.

Professor Yamakawa and his colleagues stated:

“It can be deduced that the changes in these indices are due to esports activating the frontal lobe of the brain, which increased inhibition. Further research could lead to the development of a wearable system that detects and predicts cognitive function enhancement during esports. This could help prevent game addiction and broaden the application of esports.”

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