Examining the Cognitive and Motor Skill Benefits of Virtual Reality Game “Beat Saber”

A groundbreaking new study published in Cognitive Science has shed light on the potential cognitive benefits of virtual reality gaming. The study, conducted by researchers Sidney Grosprêtre, Philémon Marcel-Millet, Pauline Eon, and Bettina Wollesen, focused on the effects of the popular virtual reality game “Beat Saber” on cognitive functioning and fine motor skills.

Virtual reality (VR) is a technology that immerses users in a three-dimensional environment, allowing them to interact with the virtual world using specialized equipment such as headsets and controllers. VR gaming, in particular, has gained popularity for its ability to provide users with a realistic and interactive experience that can enhance cognitive abilities.

The study involved 11 young, healthy individuals who participated in two different training programs over five consecutive days. One program involved physical training using shadow boxing fitness videos, while the other program required participants to play “Beat Saber,” a VR game where players use virtual swords to cut moving cubes.

The results of the study were striking. While the physical training program showed no changes in cognitive functions, participants who engaged in VR training with “Beat Saber” demonstrated improvements in selective attention, observation skills, and inhibitory processes. The study authors concluded that gamified physical training with VR could enhance cognitive functions with a similar or even lower training load compared to traditional physical training.

However, the study also had limitations, including a small sample size consisting mainly of young males and short training sessions. The authors noted that longer training programs and studies on larger and more diverse samples may yield different results.

Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the potential cognitive benefits of VR gaming and highlights the importance of further research in this area. The findings could have implications for the use of VR technology in rehabilitation and sports training, offering a more accessible and engaging alternative to traditional training methods.

For more information, the full study titled “How Exergaming with Virtual Reality Enhances Specific Cognitive and Visuo-Motor Abilities: An Explorative Study” can be found in Cognitive Science.