Brain Training Using Lumosity vs Nintendo Games
Lumosity vs Nintendo Games - Article by Hope Wynns
This comparison of these two different types of brain training programs is from my personal experience. I started using Brain Training and Big Brain Academy on NDS a couple of years ago when they first came out. Recently, I progressed to online program Lumosity.
This review highlights the differences between the two types of programs and what I perceive to be the strengths and weaknesses of both.
Lumosity vs Nintendo Games
Brain
Training on Nintendo DS compared to Lumosity Online
Dr Kawashima’s Brain Training is a game that can be played on Nintendo DS or a new version is now available on Nintendo Wii. There is a follow on game called Brain Age2. The game has a daily training section, brain age calculator and Sudoku. Click here for full review.
Big Brain Academy is also available on Nintendo DS. It consists of a practice section with a selection of brain, memory and math games. The test section directs the user through a five tests, on in each of the focus areas and then offers up a brain weight. Click here for full review
Lumosity Brain Games is an online brain training program that offers a basic training course and follow on training to get your brain back on track and then maintain your brain function. Click here for full review.
There
are both similarities and differences between the two types of programs. Firstly I will cover the
differences in the
delivery or medium used and then I will compare the actual games.
Comparing
the Delivery
Brain games on Nintendo DS have
the main advantage of mobility but the
disadvantage of
input interpretation. By
that I mean,
you have to be somewhere where you can see the screen clearly, hear the
man
talking, write steadily and legibly and speak so the DS can interpret
your words - this is particularly relevant to Brain
Training game. The Nintendo DS games both offer multi-user
and
multi-player.
Lumosity
is internet based so has the disadvantage that you have to be on a
computer
attached to the web to gain access, but equally that is an advantage as
you can
access it anywhere you can gain access to the net.
You don’t have to speak fluent English to be
understood, nor do your writing skills have to be tip top. However, you will gain
some advantage by
having a keyboard with a number pad for some of the exercises.
Comparing
the Games
Brain
Training in the Nintendo DS is designed to stimulate your pre-frontal
cortex –
whatever that is! Dr
Kawashima keeps
telling you this! The
exercises cover
variations of math, color, movement, words and memory.
The
Lumosity Brain Games program has games covering the similar
areas but the games are different form. In addition there are
word cames and games such as birdwatching. Birdwatching is
designed to help you utilize and
develop your peripheral vision to pick up more information in your
surroundings. This
skill is definitely
not covered with either of the Nintendo brain training games.
Static
versus Dynamic
Lumosity
is continually being developed and is therefore dynamic.
New developments are delivered to you as you progress
through their
program. The
program is adaptive and you
can repeat programs or enroll on new ones as you wish.
Brain training games on the NDS
slightly adaptive to your your level but the actual games are static.
To get more you have to purchase the next game
Brain Age2
for example. Effectively the games are 2 to 3 years out of date already
- and will most likely bore the user over time.
Fitting
Regular Training into Your
Lifestyle
Personally,
I would think that using the Nintendo DS brain training games is
something you
would do
irregularly. You
have to remember to
pick up the game and play it. Like
anything you need discipline to get anything out of the program.
Lumosity
is great for people who are online everyday and can allocate a regular
time
slot to do the 10 minutes of training.
I
do it first thing, it warms me up for the day whilst I wait for my
emails to
load.
Final comments on Lumosity vs Nintendo games
I have used both types of program, I believe they both have their merits and I certainly found I was more alert after using them. I found that the Nintendo games were harder to fit into my routine and make a habit of. I also found I treated them like games rather than serious brain training and focused on getting better scores rather than doing the training in a structured manner.
Lumosity works for me. It has less boring games and there are games outside the program you can do in addition which adds further interest. I thoroughly enjoy the variety and extension I get with this program. Most importantly Lumosity easily fits into my daily schedule because I am online everyday anyway.
Now you have compared Lumosity vs
Nintendo games read the full Lumosity Review
Useful Links
10 Free Brain Exercises You Can Do Today - a list of some simple ways and websites you can visit to give you brain a work out today - all for free! With links to some of the websites and information about those "under development" websites.Brain Training Blog - Tips and articles about brain training, brain fitness and overall brain health issues.
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