Playing Video Games can have Health Benefits?

Figure 1. Playing VR

Have you ever played a game using VR? If you haven't, the system allows you to place yourself into the game. You get transported into this virtual world where you can have a hand-on experience with your favorite video games. Imagine, you playing as the main character controlling their every motion, every time you move the character moves as if you were actually IN the game! And as you know, playing video games can be super fun and can make you extremely happy. But did you know that playing video games with a virtual reality headset can also have health benefits? I know weird right but, when you are playing a game in VR, you are relaxing and making yourself less stressed which puts you in a better mood especially after a difficult day of working hard at school.

Figure 2. Multiplayer VR experience

You can also connect with people when playing an online, multiplayer game in virtual reality. When you play online games, you are able to connect with others and build friendships around your common interest of video games. The talks you have with the people playing the game can help increase your ability to communicate with others. Especially so when you are playing a virtual reality game with other people. When you move, your avatar moves. So, when you play an online game with people who are also using VR, you are able to feel like you are talking to them in real life instead of just in an online, virtual world. This allows for you to communicate better as you feel like they are actually there talking to you.

Figure 3. Using VR in a hospital

The use of VR can also help kids who are very sick and cannot go outside because of how sick they are. Since they are ill, they will typically not be able to go outside and do any type of physical activities that would usually not be a problem for a healthy person, such as yourself. This can make them even more sickly and make it so they are not able to properly develop into healthy adults. Using a VR system those kids will be able to do things that they would not commonly be able to. They will be able to experience the outdoors and have fun while doing so. They will also be able to move and exercise while playing the game, so they can regain some of their energy and increase their health after using VR (2). An example of someone using VR in a hospital can be seen in figure 3. Imagine not being able to go outside to play with your friends whenever you wanted to. Always feeling like you are trapped inside your house with no escape. Using VR would help you to experience the feelings of being in the outdoors once again!

Figure 4. Using VR for rehabilitation

There are other things that VR can do to help people’s health. If someone were to have a stroke they could use the technology of the VR system to get better. The use of virtual reality can help to improve their mood and make them feel more motivated to try to get better and complete their rehabilitation. It is also a good way for them to move around and try to do the things that they could do before they had their stroke (1). If someone you were close to, such as your parents, were to have a serious health issue, such as a stroke, they may experience a loss of certain abilities that they once had. Using a VR system can make them feel happier and feel like they want to go out and try to improve their abilities that they once had before, such as their ability to move their arms properly. Someone using a VR system for rehabilitation can be viewed in figure 4. 

The VR has many positive attributes and is something that can bring joy to anyone who uses it. Next time you play a game using VR, think of everything it does to help you and others live a happier, healthier life.

For more information on the different ways VR is used in health care check out this video:Learn More

References:

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(1) Lupu, R. G., Irimia, D. C., Ungureanu, F., Poboroniuc, M. S., & Moldoveanu, A. (2018). BCI and FES based

therapy for stroke rehabilitation using VR facilities. Wireless Communications & Mobile Computing, 1-8. doi:10.1155/2018/4798359

(2) Salem, Y. & Elokda, A. (2014). Use of virtual reality gaming systems for children who are critically ill. Journal

of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, 7(3), 273-276. doi:10.3233/PRM-140296

Upload. (2016). Using VR in a hospital. [Photograph]. Retrieved from: https://uploadvr.com/7-valuable-lessons-vr-

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VRperception. (2016). Using VR for rehabilitation. [Photograph]. Retrieved from:

https://vrperception.com/2016/03/04/robotics-and-virtual-reality-for-faster-stroke-recovery/

Wagner, K. (2017). Multiplayer VR experience. [Image]. Retrieved from:

https://www.recode.net/2017/4/18/15344368/facebook-virtual-reality-spaces-social-vr-

oculus