While some parents want their children to put down the video game controller, other parents are having them pick it up. Several games have been designed to help kids with conditions like ADHD and illnesses like cancer.
Any device that provides information about a patient's body -- a thermometer, a scale, or an electrocardiogram -- is giving biofeedback. New research is showing there are certain forms of biofeedback that can be controlled by the patient. Studies show that patients with ADHD can learn to regulate their brainwaves. An EEG sensor is attached to the scalp of the patient.
At the clinic of Dr. Margaret MacDonald, the brainwaves must be at a certain level for the patient to have control over a video game. The fun interaction with the video game gives the child with ADHD incentive to concentrate. If the child does not concentrate; he loses control of the game. Repeated practice with the biofeedback system teaches the child's brain how to increase the brainwaves associated with a more attentive state.
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Helpful games
A new video game is helping kids with cancer learn about their disease and connect to others like them.
 
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Drawbacks include the price and the length of time it takes to see results. Children may go through months of one-hour sessions before any significant progress is seen. Costs range from $3,000 to $4,000 -- much more than medications alone. Also, some doctors point out the biofeedback training requires the very kind of prolonged concentration patients with ADHD lack.
A game called "Re-Mission" is a challenging, 3D "shooter" with 20 levels that take the player on a journey through the body of young patients with different kinds of cancer. This state-of-the-art game is designed to be cool and fun, while helping players increase their personal knowledge about cancer and improve their confidence in their ability to manage it.
"Re-Mission" is a PC-based video game rated "T" for Teen. It is available through the company's website, which also serves as an interactive, online community for teens, who are often isolated as a result of their disease. The site is designed to allow teens with cancer to connect with each other and share information. The game, which is available in English, French and Spanish, is free of charge to teens and young people living with cancer. It is available to others with a suggested donation of $20
