Efficacy of digital gaming vs traditional Indian gaming on memory and attention in patients with persistent post-concussion syndrome: A feasibility study
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Abstract
Background: Persistent post-concussion syndrome (PPCS) often presents long-lasting cognitive impairments such as memory and attention deficits, impacting daily life. Traditional cognitive rehabilitation faces challenges in patient engagement and personalization. Digital cognitive training games and culturally relevant traditional Indian games offer promising yet under-explored options for rehabilitation in PPCS patients.
Objectives: This research study aims to compare the effectiveness of digital gaming and traditional Indian games in enhancing memory and attention among individuals with PPCS.
Materials and methods: An experimental study was conducted with 10 PPCS patients aged 18-45 years, divided equally into two groups. Group A (N=5) received a digital gaming intervention, while group B (N=5) engaged in traditional Indian games. Both interventions consisted of 45-minute sessions, five days per week, over six weeks. Cognitive performance was evaluated using the Digit Span Test and Trail-Making Tests A and B. However, the sample size was small, within-group differences were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and between-group comparisons were performed using the Mann–Whitney U test, with statistical significance set at p<0.05.
Results: Post-intervention analysis revealed that both groups experienced statistically significant gains in memory and attention performance (p<0.05). However, Group A exhibited significantly greater gains than group B in post-Digit Span Test scores and Trail-Making Test performance, indicating superior efficacy of digital gaming.
Conclusion: Digital gaming was more effective than traditional Indian games in improving attention and memory in PPCS patients. These findings support adopting technology-based cognitive training in rehabilitation while considering cultural relevance and patient preferences.
Article Details
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Personal views expressed by the contributors in their articles are not necessarily those of the Journal of Associated Medical Sciences, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University.
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