Effects of video game practice on visual and visuocognitive functions.
Level 2 - randomized trial
Systematic review and meta-analysis combining cross-sectional, quasi-experimental, and controlled pre-post interventional studies.
PubMed 42119531 · doi:10.1080/08164622.2026.2669524
What was done
Systematic review and meta-analysis of studies indexed in PubMed, Web of Science, SciELO, and Google Scholar from January 2000 to June 2025 evaluating the effect of video-game practice on visual function. Eligible designs included cross-sectional comparisons between video-game players and non-players, quasi-experimental studies, and randomised or controlled pre-post interventions. Effect sizes were pooled as standardised mean differences (Hedges g), and study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, Joanna Briggs Institute checklist, and Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool.
What was found
Thirty-two studies met inclusion criteria. Action video-game players outperformed non-players in cross-sectional comparisons (g = 1.28, 95% CI 0.74 to 1.82, I2 = 49%). Pre-post training interventions showed large visual performance gains (g = 1.02, 95% CI 0.61 to 1.43, I2 = 54%). Significant improvements were identified for dynamic visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and accommodative-vergence facility. Fast-paced and first-person shooter games showed larger effect sizes than exergames or virtual-reality interventions. Egger test showed no significant publication bias (p > 0.25).
Why it matters
This review quantitatively demonstrates that video-game training enhances visual, attentional, and oculomotor functions through experience-dependent visual plasticity. It provides empirical support for developing translational, gaming-based vision rehabilitation protocols.
Limits
The meta-analysis pools observational cross-sectional studies alongside interventional pre-post designs. Moderate statistical heterogeneity was present in both primary analyses (I2 of 49% and 54%). Total participant sample sizes, long-term retention of visual improvements, and outcomes in specific clinical patient populations were not reported in the abstract.