Could drumming really improve your health? According to the University of Gloucestershire, which developed the world's first drumming physiology laboratory it does and now they are currently working with drummer Clem Burke (from Blondie) on a new research project investigating the potential health and mental benefits of playing drumming-based interactive computer games.

Not surprisingly there is a computer game company collaborating on the project with them and they are going to focus on certain groups of people. Now from personal experience I know that drumming does provide a good workout and an avenue for stress release so it wouldn't seem much of a stretch to show that it can provide health benefits to people who play regularly (and with a bit of attitude).

Whether they are being played for the health benefits or not, interactive video games continue to grow in popularity as sales continue to grow despite the current global recession. These types of studies are also becoming more popular as health problems like child obesity, adult obesity, autism and stress in the workplace continue to increase in prevalence and scientists and others try to find new ways to get people active.

Many leading scientists even believe that "learning these motor skills in such an entertaining manner may well enhance cognitive flexibility and facilitate recovery..." for patients with poor brain function from various illnesses.

I guess we really should have seen this coming. The new generation of Nascar drivers has grown up learning the different tracks while playing racing video games, so perhaps the next generation of drummers and guitarists will come from the ranks of kids playing games like rock band and guitar hero.