Researchers Explore How Video Game Technology Can Treat Brain Disorders
By McIlroy, Anne; Toronto Globe and Mail,Publication Date: June 4, 2010
Article features a novel videogame that provides neurofeedback training to normalize brain patterns in children with autism spectrum disorder. Developed by a computer scientist for his son, who has Asperger’s syndrome, the system consists of electrodes attached to the game player’s head that feed information about the electrical activity of the brain into an animated maze on a computer screen. If the pattern of brain activity is within normal range, the player is able to move a cartoon character through the maze and collect cookies to earn points; however, brain activity patterns outside the normal range result in the character growing larger and getting stuck in the maze. Training with the videogame has resulted in the scientist’s son being weaned off medications, and he reportedly no longer needs regular biofeedback training. At the time the article was written, the invention was to be demonstrated at the June 2010 When Virtual Meets Reality workshop in Ottawa, Canada, an event bringing together researchers specializing in game technology, social networking, and digital media with those who study brain disorders in children.
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Link to text: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/article1593091/
