“Tetris” is one of the most iconic games in the history of video games. Since its launch in 1984, it has accumulated fans wherever it goes.
It was in this context that this simple and addictive block-fitting puzzle, created by Alexey Pajitnov in the former Soviet Union (currently Russia), quickly became a phenomenon, captivating players of all ages.
However, what makes “Tetris” so special goes beyond its popularity as entertainment. It has also proven to be a valuable ally for exercising memory and the brain.
The “Tetris” game mechanics are simple but challenging: players must rotate and position blocks that fall from the top of the screen to fill complete horizontal lines. When a line is filled, it disappears.
In general, the goal is to prevent blocks from reaching the top of the screen. This task requires planning, quick thinking and motor coordination, as the pieces fall increasingly quickly as the game progresses.
Image: Classic Tetris/Reproduction
A game that promotes mental health
The ability of “Tetris” to stimulate the mind has been the subject of scientific studies. The gameplay challenges working memory, which is the ability to temporarily retain information and manipulate it mentally.
Furthermore, “Tetris” improves spatial perception, decision making and multitasking. By practicing “Tetris” regularly, players can strengthen these cognitive skills, improving their problem-solving ability and concentration.
Moms, install ‘Tetris’!
More recently, a study conducted by the University of Lausanne in Switzerland brought to light an additional benefit of “Tetris”.
A search analyzed the game’s potential in reducing post-traumatic stress symptoms in women who have experienced traumatic births, particularly cesarean sections.
Post-cesarean section stress is a significant concern, affecting many mothers who face a difficult birth experience.
The study involved 146 women who underwent cesarean sections and were assessed for symptoms of post-traumatic stress. One group played “Tetris” for 15 minutes daily, while the other did not perform any intervention.
The results were surprising, showing that women who played “Tetris” experienced a significant decrease in post-traumatic stress symptoms compared to the control group.
This finding is promising as it suggests that the Soviet game may be an effective tool in preventing and treating post-traumatic stress disorders following events such as cesarean sections.
Therefore, in addition to offering a form of cognitive distraction, it reduces the emotional impact of trauma and allows the brain to process the experience in a less intense way.
However, the benefits of Tetris are not limited to motherhood situations. The results of this study may have broader implications, suggesting that gaming may be useful for dealing with post-traumatic stress related to other types of events, such as accidents, natural disasters and experiences of violence.
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