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Background. Active computer gaming (ACG) is a method of facilitating physical activity in older people to improve health outcomes. Purpose. The purpose of this study was to update and extend a systematic review of the evidence for ACG to determine its effects on physical and cognitive health in older adults. Data Sources. MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL in the Cochrane Library, and PsycINFO databases were searched from the date of the previous review (2011) to May 2016. Study Selection. Eligible articles were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effect of ACG in adults aged 65 and older. Data Extraction. Thirty-five studies were eligible for inclusion. Two review authors independently conducted data extraction, risk-of-bias assessment, and coding of behavior change techniques. Outcomes of interest were analyzed as continuous data and pooled as standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to determine the quality of the evidence. Data Synthesis. Behavior change techniques (N = 106) were coded in the included studies (mean = 3.02). Data were pooled for 5 main outcomes of interest. Significant moderate effects in favor of ACG were observed for balance (SMD = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.24 to 0.79; 17 studies; 743 participants), for functional exercise capacity when intervention delivery was >12O minutes per week (SMD = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.15 to 0.90; 5 studies; 116 participants), and for cognitive function (SMD = -0.48, 95% CI = -0.80 to 0.17; 8 studies; 459 participants). There was no significant effect observed for functional mobility or fear of falling. Limitations. The quality of the evidence for all comparisons was graded low or very low. Conclusions. At present there is very little confidence that ACG improves physical and cognitive outcomes in older adults., Aging is associated with reduced independence due to physical and cognitive decline. Engaging in higher levels of physical activity is associated with higher levels of physical function and independence in [...]

Byline: Mike Selinker DECODE Teleportals The brilliant videogame series Portal drops players into rooms that can be escaped by creating a series of teleport points. In an homage to the [...]

Video game link found In stark contrast to the findings, research from Calcutta National Medical College has found that playing computer games can improve the sight of children with lazy [...]

Take a real lunch break. Eating at your desk could cause you to eat more later in the day, according to new research from the University of Bristol, England. In [...]

Parliamentary secretary at the Cabinet Office Tom Watson has said 'serious' computer games can play a 'substantial role' in getting the UK through the downturn. He said not only could […]

Under One Roof Hannaford Bros. Cos., the supermarket chain that disclosed a major data breach last month, is overhauling its network security systems to prevent a recurrence resulting from small [...]

A computer game developed by behavioural nutrition researchers helps children consume more fruits and vegetables, according to new research. Elementary school students who played the game, called 'Squire's Quest', soon [...]

Jason Rubin the 32 year old president and co-founder of Naughty Dog productions in Los Angeles is responsible for some of computer gaming hits, including Crash Bandicoot and Jak and Dexter. Jason Rubin gives his opinion about piracy and games.

The report by Linda Papadopoulos, a clinical psychologist and reader at London Metropolitan University into the sexualization of children and teenagers has revealed that computer games, easily accessed pornography and T-shirts with sex-related slogans are making children highly sexualized from an early age. Some recommendations to solve the problem are also highlighted.

Professor Henry Jenkins, professor of comparative media studies at the University of Michigan, has told delegates at the Digital Generations conference at London University's Institute of Education, that children are not turned into killers by computer games. Jenkins contended that while the media frequently blames technology such as computer games for society's problems, research has shown that games do not alter children's views and that family, social and cultural life have a far greater impact.

Can computer games get kids hooked on milk and other calcium sources? The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development hopes that the animated games, puzzles, mazes, and coloring [...]

A survey conducted by researchers at Aston University in the UK reveals that children are not addicted to violent computer games and that they are not becoming violent because of them. Among the 150 children aged between seven and 16 surveyed, more than 50% thought that these games could contribute to violence. However, only one child thought that this violence could be serious in nature. Adults do not have a proper knowledge of how children interact with these machines.

An examination of the role of women in the computing field reveals that video games such as 'Princess Maker 2' that are targeted at the female community have not changed the attitude of women, who dislike computers because of their lack of proficiency in this field. Members of the Women into Technology pressure group in Britain are urging the government to take more interest in enabling women to familiarize themselves with technological advancement.