In a 2026 randomized trial, trauma-exposed UK healthcare workers who received a structured intervention that included modified Tetris gameplay reported fewer intrusive memories than participants in two comparison groups. The result is promising—but it is evidence for a specific, guided procedure, not proof that buying or casually playing Tetris treats PTSD.
Can Tetris help PTSD flashbacks?
There is evidence that a carefully timed intervention combining brief memory reactivation with a visuospatial task can reduce unwanted intrusive memories. Tetris gameplay was part of that intervention in several studies. The main outcome was the frequency of intrusive memories, often described as flashbacks—not a blanket measure of PTSD recovery.
The distinction matters: researchers did not simply ask people to play any version of Tetris whenever they wanted. In the more recent trial, participants received guidance in a structured procedure involving memory reactivation, mental rotation, and slower, modified gameplay.
What did the 2026 trial find?
The randomized GAINS-02 trial, published by Beckenstrom and colleagues in The Lancet Psychiatry in 2026, enrolled 99 UK healthcare workers exposed to work-related trauma during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants were assigned to imagery-competing therapy intervention (ICTI), an active control, or treatment as usual.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
| Trial group | Participants | Median intrusive memories at week four |
|---|---|---|
| ICTI | 40 | 0.5 (IQR 0–5) |
| Active control: Mozart music and informational podcasts | 39 | 5 (IQR 3–11.5) |
| Treatment as usual | 20 | 5 (IQR 2.5–8) |
These are results for the trial’s particular sample and intervention, not an expected result for every trauma survivor. At week 24, 70% of ICTI participants were reported to have no intrusive memories. That follow-up is encouraging, but the study was small and its findings need testing in broader groups.
ICTI was delivered remotely with researcher guidance and subsequent self-guided practice. The protocol included briefly reactivating a memory, learning mental rotation, and playing a slower form of Tetris. The trial therefore does not establish that ordinary Tetris gameplay alone produces the same result.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
How did the evidence develop?
The studies differ in who took part, what they did, what they were compared with, and how long outcomes were followed. Those differences limit how directly their results can be compared.
| Study | Participants | Intervention and comparison | Follow-up and outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 laboratory study | Healthy participants who watched traumatic film material | After a structured interval, participants completed a 10-minute Tetris task or no task | Participants recorded film-related intrusive memories for one week; the Tetris group reported fewer |
| 2017 emergency-department proof-of-concept trial | 71 people treated after motor vehicle accidents | Within six hours, the intervention group briefly recalled the accident and played Tetris; the control group completed another task | Over the next week, the intervention group had fewer intrusive memories, which diminished faster |
| 2026 GAINS-02 randomized trial | 99 UK healthcare workers exposed to work-related trauma during the COVID-19 pandemic | Guided ICTI, an active control involving Mozart music and informational podcasts, or treatment as usual | Intrusive memories were assessed at week four and followed through week 24 |
The 2009 study used a laboratory analogue rather than people diagnosed with PTSD. The 2017 trial was a small proof of concept with outcomes measured over one week; its authors called for larger studies and longer follow-up. The 2026 trial added an active control, usual-care comparison, and longer follow-up, but it still does not settle whether the intervention works across clinically diagnosed PTSD populations.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Is Tetris a treatment for PTSD?
These results do not establish Tetris as a standalone PTSD treatment, and they do not show that it prevents PTSD generally, cures established PTSD, or works for everyone. The 2026 trial did not use diagnostic interviews, so it cannot establish effectiveness across a clinically diagnosed PTSD population. Participants were self-referred, predominantly women and white, and drawn from a specific group of UK healthcare workers. The trial authors identify these features and the lack of diagnostic assessment as limitations.
The studies focused on unwanted intrusive memories. The proposed explanation is that a visuospatial task may compete for working-memory resources involved in visual imagery. This is the researchers’ hypothesis, not a proven mechanism or an established clinical guideline. The intervention is intended to affect intrusive visual memories, not erase deliberate memory of an event; the 2009 study found no significant group difference in recognition memory.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Can you try the research protocol yourself?
The cited findings do not confirm that ICTI is available to the general public. Oxford researchers have described the need for larger, more diverse trials and work on a non-guided version. Do not treat a commercial game as a substitute for the studied procedure, and do not use this article as instructions to reactivate a traumatic memory. If distressing memories are affecting you, seek support from a qualified health professional rather than relying on a game.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
