THE IMPORTANCE OF CHESS AS A NEUROPLASTICITY STRATEGY
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56238/arev8n1-160Keywords:
Neuroplasticity, Chess, Cognitive Functions, Executive Functions, Neurocognitive RehabilitationAbstract
Neuroplasticity, defined as the brain’s ability to reorganize its structural and functional connections throughout life, plays a central role in cognitive development, brain health maintenance, and recovery following neurological injury. In this context, cognitively stimulating activities have been widely investigated as strategies to promote neural plasticity. Chess, as a strategic game that demands logical reasoning, planning, memory, attention, and decision-making, has emerged as a potential tool for enhancing neuroplasticity. This study aims to review the scientific literature on the effects of chess practice on neuroplasticity and cognitive functions, including executive functions, attention, concentration, and memory, across different age groups and clinical contexts. This is a narrative literature review of studies published between 2000 and 2023, selected from PubMed, PsycINFO, and Scopus databases. The findings indicate that regular chess practice is associated with structural and functional brain changes, such as increased gray matter density, enhanced functional connectivity, and strengthened synaptic plasticity, as well as significant improvements in cognitive performance. It is concluded that chess holds substantial potential as a neurocognitive intervention tool in both educational and clinical settings, contributing to brain health promotion and improved quality of life.
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