Researchers at the University of California explored a new way to support cognitive health in aging populations. The study, published in npj Aging, examined how a specialized video game could improve mental performance in seniors.
The game used motion capture to require players to complete tasks that simultaneously challenge thinking and movement. In total, 49 participants with an average age around 68 were split into two groups for the eight week intervention. One group trained with the motion-based game while the control group used conventional cognitive training apps that relied mostly on mental practice without physical activity.
Assessment occurred at three points: before training began, after the eight week program, and again one year later. The team administered tests that measured memory and attention to track changes in cognitive function over time.
Results showed that those who played the motion capture game experienced notable improvements in several cognitive domains. These gains persisted across the year and outpaced changes seen in the group using standard cognitive exercises. The researchers highlighted that the combined mental and physical demands of the game likely contributed to these lasting benefits.
Experts explain that motion capture games create an integrated routine that engages brain and body. This approach can promote greater neural plasticity, which helps the brain adapt and strengthen connections with continued use. Beyond cognition, participants may also experience improvements in physical fitness and daily functioning, suggesting broader health advantages for aging individuals.
The findings align with a broader interest in multisensory and active training strategies for older adults. By pairing cognitive tasks with coordinated movement, such programs aim to support independence and quality of life as people age. Future work may explore how variations in game design, difficulty, and duration influence long-term outcomes for diverse groups of seniors. The current study adds to growing evidence that enjoyable, interactive tools can play a meaningful role in cognitive aging research. (Citation: npj Aging)