study project - the relation between video games and people's heart rates and reaction times

Description:

This study project is to determine the effect of video games on people’s heart rates and reaction times. I have carried out this study by conducting a survey of

which ten people between the ages of 16 to 18 whom are of a healthy (“average”) height and weight have completed. The results are viewed below and then compared to other studies of a similar nature to determine whether there is a relation or not.

(Please keep in mind that these results may not be accurate as they are taken from an amateur survey with only 10 responses.)

Results from Survey:

Percentage of People Who Play Video Games:

80%

20%

Play

Do not play

Results from Survey Cont’d.:

50%

30%

20%

Percentage of People Who Play Video Games According to Gender:

Male (play)

Female (play)

Female (do not play)

Results From Survey Cont’d.:

RHR Compared to HR While Playing Video Games:

50

60

70

80

90

100

110

RHR HR While Playing Video Games

Average Male (play)

Average Female (play)

Average Female (do not play)

Observations:

The observation from the above graph that the average male’s heart rate while playing video games is higher than the average female’s heart rate while playing video games must determine that either the average male gets more immersed into the game that they are playing compared to the average female who does not, or that the average male is playing a more intense game than that of the average female.

Results from Survey Cont’d.:

0

0.05

0.1

0.15

0.2

0.25

0.3

0.35

Average Male (play)

Average Female (play)

Average Female (do not play)

Average Reaction Time:

Average Reaction Time

Extra Facts and Information:

As previously mentioned, the ten participants of this study are all within the ages of 16 to 18 and all consist of a healthy (“average”) height and weight.

It has been observed and taken into account that the participants’ heart rates while engaging in video games may be determined by which genre of video game they are engaged in (i.e. action, strategy, etc.). It has also been observed and taken into account that a number of the participants participate in other physical activities such as exercise or sports which could also potentially have an effect on their resting heart rate.

Comparing Results to Studies of Similar Natures (Resting Heart Rate):

The following is research extracted from:

Fohner, Mike. (2006 – 2009). "Measure Your Resting Heart Rate.” – The Fitness Motivator.

<http://www.the-fitness-motivator.com/resting-heart-rate.html>.

How do you reduce your resting heart rate? Exercise! Cardiovascular exercise raises your heart rate in a 55% - 85% range. You can do this by doing regular exercise. As we train in the 55% - 85% of our maximum heart rate range, our heart and cardiovascular system gets stronger. And as our heart gets stronger, our heart rate while resting gets lower.

Although this information extracted from the site above is referring more to that of physical activity and exercise, video games can also be a good source of cardiovascular exercise in the sense that they cause an increase in your heart rate while engaging in them, especially if it is a video game that involves physical activity such as Dance Dance Revolution or Wii Sports.

Comparing Results to Studies of Similar Natures (Reaction Time):

The following is research extracted from:Thiele, Jonathan E. - Missouri Western State University. (2007, April, 26).

“The Impact of Urgency in Videogames on Reaction Time.” – National Undergraduate Research Clearinghouse

<http://clearinghouse.missouriwestern.edu/manuscripts/846.php>.

In Clark et al., the subjects in an experimental condition played videogames for 2 hours each week for 7 weeks, resulting in a significant improvement in reaction time in comparison to a control group showing no considerable change. In Dustman et al., experimental subjects played videogames for 3 hours each week for 11 weeks, also producing a significant improvement compared to both the control group and an additional group that viewed movies each week, acting possibly as an additional form of stimulation. However, the improvement in reaction time was the only significant effect of playing videogames on cognition, suggesting that other activities that enhance cognition should still be pursued. Video games can reduce reaction time even after a single session of play

(Orosy-Fildes & Allan, 1989). The subjects in the experimental condition showed an extremely significant improvement in reaction time after as little as 15 minutes of game play. The control group, meanwhile, showed no significant improvement.

Ending Results And Conclusion:

Through this study we have determined that people who play video games have a lower resting heart rate and a reduced reaction time than that of people who do not play video games, therefore, resulting in improved cognition and a healthier heart.

In conclusion, my hypothesis is that playing video games can be beneficial to individuals as long as the time engaging in video games is not abused and they are games of a relatively good nature that do not promote bad qualities.

Not only can they be beneficial to your cognition and heart, but they are also a good way to relieve stress and just have fun.

Bibliography

Fohner, Mike. (2006 – 2009). "Measure Your Resting Heart Rate.” – The Fitness Motivator.

<http://www.the-fitness-motivator.com/resting-heart-rate.html>.

Thiele, Jonathan E. - Missouri Western State University. (2007, April, 26). “The Impact of Urgency in Videogames on Reaction Time.” – National Undergraduate Research Clearinghouse

<http://clearinghouse.missouriwestern.edu/manuscripts/846.php>.