Physiology Response with Different Type of Digital Game Among Typical Children

Abstract

Previous studies found that different types of game had different effects on the subjects especially on learning, academic performance, emotion, health, and behavior. Many studies used games as a tool in therapy treatment and rehabilitation. This study aims to determine the effects of two types of game by examining physiological responses. This cross-sectional study involved 32 typical children. The types of game that were used were Cut The Rope and Sonic Dash representing strategy and action genres respectively. Powerlab 4/26T and a digital sphygmomanometer were used to measure physiological signals such as heart (HR), breathing (BR) and pulse rates and blood pressure. All of the psychophysiological readings were measured before and after playing the strategy and action games. The study involved 59% boys and 41% girls. Based on the age categorization, 59% were children aged 10-12 years old and 41% were 7-9 years old. There was a mean difference in the pre- and post-gameplay diastolic blood pressure for action games (p<0.05). Furthermore, there was a mean difference in the pre- and post-gameplay systolic and diastolic readings for the two types of game (F= 7.133, p=0.01). All of the physiological readings were within the normal range. In conclusion, this study suggests that playing these types of game may be used as a therapeutic tool in cognitive rehabilitation.