Action video game training improves text reading accuracy, rate and comprehension in children with dyslexia: a randomized controlled trial

Jessica L. Peters,Melanie J. Murphy,Sheila G. Crewther,Edith L. Bavin

doi:10.1038/s41598-021-98146-x

Jessica L. Peters, Melanie J. Murphy + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-98146-x

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Abstract

Dynamic visual attention training using Action Video Games (AVGs) is a promising intervention for dyslexia. This study investigated the efficacy of 5 h (10 × 30 min) of AVG training in dyslexic children (aged 8–13) using ‘Fruit Ninja’, while exploring whether increasing attentional and eye movement demands enhanced AVG effectiveness. Regular (AVG-R; n = 22) and enhanced AVG training (AVG+; n = 23) were compared to a treatment-as-usual comparison group (n = 19) on reading, rapid naming, eye movements and visuo-temporal processing. Playing ‘Fruit Ninja’ for only 5 h significantly improved reading accuracy, rate, comprehension and rapid naming of both AVG groups, compared to the comparison group, though increasing attentional demands did not enhance AVG efficacy. Participants whose low contrast magnocellular-temporal processing improved most following training also showed significantly greater improvement in reading accuracy. The findings demonstrate a clear role for visual attention in reading and highlight the clinical applicability of AVGs as a fun, motivational and engaging intervention for dyslexia.

Highlights

Dynamic visual attention training using Action Video Games (AVGs) is a promising intervention for dyslexia
Simple effects analysis followed by pairwise comparisons indicated that reading accuracy significantly improved only in the AVG groups between T1 and T2, with a comparable level of improvement in the AVG+ and AVG effectiveness. Regular (AVG-R) groups, p = .418 (Fig. 1)
The present study is the first to show that AVG training results in greater improvements in both text reading accuracy and comprehension as compared with a comparison group receiving only treatment-as-usual school-based reading intervention

Summary

Introduction

Dynamic visual attention training using Action Video Games (AVGs) is a promising intervention for dyslexia. Dynamic visual attention training using Action Video Games (AVGs) produces significantly greater reading rate and fluency improvements in children with developmental dyslexia compared to non-AVG control interventions, with moderate-to-large effect s izes[1]. Those with dyslexia often demonstrate impairments in dynamic visual attention skills, including temporal processing[8], distribution of attention9, ‘sluggish attentional shifting’[10], and inefficient planning and coordination of rapid sequential eye movements during reading and non-reading tasks[11,12,13] Such dynamic attention is predominantly driven by the faster visual magnocellular pathway that is responsive to high temporal and low spatial frequencies, and frequently found to be impaired in dyslexia[14,15]. To date, studies linking magnocellular and reading improvements following AVG training in dyslexia are limited[21]

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