Review article
Neuroplastic changes as a result of intensive cognitive training: a comparison of traditional and innovative approaches to cognitive training using video games

Specialized brain training programs aimed at improving cognitive functioning are now widely used not only by people with brain damage but also by increasing numbers of healthy individuals. In addition to the traditional approach which focuses on designing special training paradigms, there is an increasing interest in using video games for cognitive training. Due to the increasing popularity of video gaming, researchers strive to verify improvements in cognitive functioning and elucidate the mechanisms of this phenomenon. The current state of knowledge clearly indicates that video games positively influence a number of cognitive functions, including attention, short-term memory, and working memory. Due to the nature of video games, which provide dynamic multisensory stimulation, transfer effects to untrained cognitive functions can be observed. Knowledge of the neural basis of this kind of video game induced cognitive improvement is very limited. This paper attempts to summarize and systematize the current knowledge on the evolution of behavioral and neuroplastic changes as a result of intensive cognitive training using traditional paradigms and training using video games. We focus on the description of studies verifying effects of the various training programs and games. Finally, we discuss the results of studies which concentrate on explaining the neural correlates (fMRI and DTI) of improvement in cognitive functioning in the group of intensive video games players at both the functional and the structural level of brain organization.