Larger right posterior parietal volume in action video game experts: a behavioral and voxel-based morphometry (VBM) study

PLoS One. 2013 Jun 11;8(6):e66998. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0066998. Print 2013.

Abstract

Recent studies suggest that action video game players exhibit superior performance in visuospatial cognitive tasks compared with non-game players. However, the neural basis underlying this visuospatial cognitive performance advantage remains largely unknown. The present human behavioral and imaging study compared gray matter volume in action video game experts and non-experts using structural magnetic resonance imaging and voxel-based morphometry analysis. The results revealed significantly larger gray matter volume in the right posterior parietal cortex in experts compared with non-experts. Furthermore, the larger gray matter volume in the right posterior parietal cortex significantly correlated with individual performance in a visual working memory task in experts. These results suggest that differences in brain structure may be linked to extensive video game play, leading to superior visuospatial cognitive performance in action video game experts.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Brain / anatomy & histology*
  • Brain / physiology*
  • Child
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Video Games*
  • Young Adult

Grants and funding

This study was supported by the Hayao Nakayama Foundation for Science & Technology and Culture, and Funds for the Development of Human Resources in Science and Technology, awarded to Satoshi Tanaka. The funding agencies had no role in the study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or manuscript preparation.