But not just any video game. Sports and fighting games produce a dramatically higher level of pain distraction than other video games, according to a new study by Dr. Bryan Raudenbush, associate professor of psychology at Wheeling Jesuit University in Wheeling, WV.

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These gaming distractions may be most helpful in children and young adults undergoing painful procedures or suffering from chronic pain, as these individuals comprise the largest gamer demographics, says Raudenbush.

In Raudenbush's study, the effect of certain types of video games on pain perception was examined. Six video game types (action, puzzle, arcade, fighting, sport and boxing) and a control condition were used, with each condition separated by at least 24 hours. Prior to and during the sessions, physiological measures were monitored (pulse, blood pressures and oxygen saturation).

In general, Raudenbush found that game play produced an increase in pulse as compared to the baseline condition. This increase in pulse was greatest in the action, fighting, sports and boxing games. Pain tolerance was greatest for the sports and fighting games.

The sports game produced the greatest level of anger. The action and puzzle games produced the most mental demand, the largest physical demand was associated with the boxing game, and the temporal demand was greatest in the arcade and boxing games. Performance ratings were highest in the boxing and puzzle condition, and frustration ratings were highest in the arcade and boxing conditions.

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