A recent study by UK researchers involving playing Tetris, the computer puzzle game, to help reduce the effects of traumatic stress has shown some positive results, though inconclusive in itself.

The objective of the experiment was to try and modify the way in which the brain forms memories after a distressing event.

A report in the PLoS ONE journal said 40 healthy volunteers were enrolled for the experiment and shown a film which included traumatic images of injuries. Only half of them were later given the game to play. It was observed over the week that those who played the game exhibited significantly fewer flashbacks of the images than those who didn't play.

Though Tetris may alter the brain's sensory memories and reduce flashbacks after a trauma, it would be naive to expect it to work in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) cases.

Scientists said no conclusions could be drawn on the general effects of computer gaming on memory as it is not possible to simulate the intensity of a real-life trauma in any study.