Single-Session Fast-Paced Video Gaming Boosts Working-Memory Precision via Prefrontal Alpha Oscillations

Abstract

Working-memory (WM) precision depends on top-down control by dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC). Whether a brief session of action video-game play can sharpen this control, and which neural processes mediate any benefit, remains unknown. Thirty-four adults were randomly assigned to 30 min of fast-paced gaming (Snail Mail; Experiment) or time-matched cartoon viewing (Control). Delayed continuous-report precision and 128-channel resting EEG were collected before and after the intervention. Absolute recall error fell in the Experiment group (p .21). A single, ecologically realistic gaming session therefore yields measurable enhancement of mnemonic precision together with local up-regulation of dlPFC-centered alpha oscillations, identifying a plausible cortical mechanism for rapid, low-cost cognitive plasticity.