Tetris is the solution for trauma
I have been reading on the BBC today that some rather clever boffins at Oxford University have discovered that playing Tetris can indeed help with dealing with post traumatic stress disorder. The nostalgic memories of bashing away on a Gameboy for hours on end came flooding back to me and I just felt compelled to share the news.
If only my parents knew at the time that I was medically aiding myself and preventing nightmares from watching Trapdoor and Ghostbusters. Instead, they nagged me to stop playing so much and get my nose back into books. Anyway, the theory from the researchers is that by playing Tetris, resources of the brain are being eaten up and thus helps prevent flashbacks from occurring.
I suppose it supports the thoughts that you can distract yourself by keeping busy. Playing Tetris to any level of higher competency requires a great deal of concentration, so it's unsurprising if you are so busy that you don't have time to remember. Well, I'm no scientist, but my own common sense is leaning towards accepting this evidence.
I also discovered today (I've done a lot of reading) that patients in Seacroft Hospital, Leeds have been playing on the Nintendo Wii Fit board too. Patients with prosthetic limbs are encouraged to practice their mobility with the innovative game.
So here it is, practical and theoretical proof that video gaming can be helpful.
