A Quebec university is using computer wizardry to treat mental illness while forging Canada’s reputation as a leader in the emerging field of cyber-psychology.

The lab at the University of Quebec in Outaouais first used virtual reality techniques to study and treat simple phobias like the fear of flying.

A decade later, its researchers are targeting everything from pathological gambling to schizophrenia and, soon, post-traumatic stress disorder in Canadian soldiers returning from Afghanistan.

Related posts:

1. Soldiers get virtual reality training
2. Army uses video games in suicide prevention
3. Fight your fear with virtual reality therapy

Universities of Chichester and Gloucestershire today announced a partnership with Blondie drummer Clem Burke. This unique collaboration will look into the benefits, both mental and physical, of playing drums in games like Guitar Hero World Tour. Working with Activision, the study will look at the effect drumming games can have on obesity, autism and stroke patients in addition to seeing whether interactive video games can aid stress release and improve productivity in the workplace.

"We are interested in finding out how interactive video games, such as Guitar Hero World Tour , can improve the health and mental well-being of people," said Dr. Marcus Smith, Principal Lecturer in Exercise Physiology, at the University of Chichester. "Despite a global recession, sales of interactive video games remain high. As researchers we are interested in understanding why such games are so appealing and how they may be used to investigate specific research questions. We are particularly interested in examining the effects of playing Guitar Hero World Tour on child and adult obesity, autism, stroke patients, disengaged communities, and health and mental well-being in the workplace."

Source

Related posts:

1. “Air Guitar Hero” Helps Amputees Test Out New Arms
2. Can video games keep families healthy?
3. Virtual Healing