Problematic video gaming is negatively associated with bone mineral density in adolescents.

Adolescent bone health may be negatively impacted by problematic video gaming (PVG) due to factors such as prolonged screen time, poor sleep quality, and increased depression. Although sedentary behaviors have been linked to decreased bone mass, there is limited research on how PVG impacts bone health. We aimed to evaluate the association between PVG and bone mineral density (BMD) in adolescents by comparing the BMD z-scores of adolescents with and without PVG and by identifying PVG-related risk factors that may affect low BMD scores. This cross-sectional study took place between May 2019 and August 2021 with 110 adolescents who played video games for at least two hours per day. Data on screen time, game genre, tobacco, alcohol, caffeine consumption, and vigorous physical activity status were recorded. PVG was assessed using the Internet Gaming Disorder-Short Form (IGDS9-SF), with scores ≤ 16 comprising the control group and > 16 the PVG group. Sleep quality was assessed by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and depression was evaluated by Children's Depression Inventory. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry measurements of femoral neck and lumbar spine BMD were compared between the two groups. The mean age of the participants was 14.2 ± 1.8 years, and 86.4% were males. The PVG group exhibited lower femoral neck z-scores (p = 0.013) and a higher proportion of adolescents with low femoral neck BMD risk (27.8% vs 9.7%, p = 0.041). Lumber spine z-scores did not differ (p = 0.271). Despite poorer depressive symptoms and sleep quality in the PVG group, they were not associated with low BMD risk (OR 1.02, 95% CI 0.97-1.08, p = 0.398 and OR 1.00, 95% CI 0.87-1.18, p = 0.972, respectively). Among all PVG-related risk factors, video game time (aOR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.06-1.41, p = 0.006) and vigorous physical activity amount (aOR = 2.86, 95% CI = 0.93-8.76, p = 0.080) showed the strongest associations with femoral neck z-scores.  Conclusion: The results of this study, showing a negative association between PVG and femoral neck BMD in adolescents, underscore the importance evaluating, monitoring, and supporting lower extremity bone health in adolescents with PVG. What is Known: • Adolescents with problematic video gaming are at risk for depression, impaired sleep; sedentary lifestyle; consumption of tobacco, alcohol, and drugs; and high caffeine intake. • These risk factors might lead to compromised bone health. What is New: • Problematic video gaming is associated with the low femoral neck bone mineral density risk in adolescents. • Extended video game time and reduced physical activity are found to be the primary risk factors.

Sintomas auditivos e vocais: uma análise da autopercepção de jogadores de jogos digitais / Auditory and vocal symptoms: an analysis of the self-perception of digital game players

RESUMO Objetivo identificar os fatores associados a zumbido, percepção auditiva e risco de distúrbio vocal entre jogadores de jogos digitais. Métodos estudo transversal realizado com jogadores de jogos digitais por meio de questionários eletrônicos para coletar dados relacionados à saúde auditiva e vocal. Foram analisados três desfechos principais: zumbido, percepção auditiva (sensação da diminuição da audição) e risco de distúrbio de voz, mensurado pela Escala de Sintomas Vocais. As variáveis independentes referiram-se às características sociodemográficas, perfil dos jogadores e sinais e sintomas. Aplicaram-se os testes Qui-quadrado de Pearson e Exato de Fisher. Resultados a amostra foi composta por 59 jogadores, sendo a maioria do gênero masculino (79,7%), com idade entre 18 e 24 anos (69,5%). Com relação aos desfechos, 27,6% dos participantes apresentaram zumbido, 57,6%, risco de distúrbio vocal e 13,6% referiram sensação de diminuição da audição. Observou-se associação entre zumbido e cefaleia (p=0,024), zumbido e uso de smartphone (0,012), sensação de diminuição da audição e presença de ansiedade (p=0,049). O risco de distúrbio de voz associou-se ao maior tempo de horas jogadas por semana (p=0,020). Conclusão a autopercepção de zumbido esteve associada à cefaleia e ao uso de smartphone. Houve, ainda, associação entre ansiedade e sensação de diminuição da audição, além de risco de distúrbio de voz e maior tempo de horas jogadas por semana.

ABSTRACT Purpose to identify factors associated with tinnitus, auditory perception and risk of voice disorders among digital game players. Methods cross-sectional study carried out with digital game players through electronic procedures to collect data related to hearing and vocal health. Three main outcomes were analyzed: tinnitus; auditory perception (sensation of diminished hearing) and risk of voice disorders, measured by the Vocal Symptoms Scale (VSS). The independent variables were related to sociodemographic characteristics, player profile and signs and symptoms. Pearson's chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were applied. Results the sample consisted of 59 players. Most were male (79.7%) and ages between 18 and 24 years (69.5%). Regarding the terms, 27.6% had tinnitus, 57.6% were at risk of vocal disorder and 13.6% reported hearing loss. There was an association between tinnitus and headache (p=0.024), tinnitus and smartphone use (0.012), hearing loss and anxiety (p= 0.049). A risk of voice disorder(s ) was associated with more hours played per week (p=0.020). Conclusion self-perceived tinnitus was associated with headache and smartphone use; there was also an association between anxiety and the feeling of hearing impairment, in addition to the risk of voice disorders and more hours played per week.

Association of violent video games with alcohol use disorder and smoking dependence among male adolescents in Lebanon.

BACKGROUND: With the well-known serious effects of alcohol and nicotine dependence on adolescents' well-being, and knowing that males are more exposed to violent video gaming, this study was conducted to examine the association between exposure to violent video gaming and alcohol, cigarette, and waterpipe dependence among male Lebanese adolescents. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional observational study conducted with Lebanese male students (13-17 years old) between October and December 2019. The Video Game Questionnaire was utilized to assess the content of violence in video games. For the assessment of alcohol, cigarette, and waterpipe dependence, the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test scale (AUDIT), Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND), and Lebanese Waterpipe Dependence Scale (LWDS) were used, respectively. Log transformation was used for the three addiction scores. Four linear regressions were performed taking the AUDIT, FTND, LWDS, and violent video gaming scores as dependent variables. RESULTS: From the 388 students enroled (mean age= 15.83 ± 1.93 years), 190 (48.8%) were classified as having violent video gaming. Older age (beta=0.049) and more violent video gaming (beta=0.006) were significantly associated with more cigarette dependence. More violent video gaming (beta=0.003) was significantly associated with more waterpipe dependence. Older age (beta=-0.090) was significantly associated with lower alcohol use disorder, whereas more violent video gaming (beta=0.005) was significantly associated with more alcohol use disorder. CONCLUSION: The study supports an association between higher exposure to violent video game and higher alcohol and smoking dependence among male teenagers in Lebanon. Hence, support and guidance should be implemented to raise awareness and protect teenagers.

Reviewing the Consequences of Electronic Gaming Machine Misuse in Australian Older Adults: Implications for Addiction Nurses.

ABSTRACT: This review explores contemporary literature exploring electronic gaming machine (EGM) use in the Australian context. EGMs, colloquially known in Australia as pokies (poker machines), lead statistics on gambling losses in Australia and are a substantially different form of gambling when compared with other means, such as sports or casino wagering. This article focuses on Australian literature on EGMs, with comparisons made with international trends. Searches of the Scopus, CINAHL, and Medline electronic journal databases were performed to find literature examining problem gambling through EGM use in older adults. The results of the search found that little literature exists regarding problematic EGM use in older adults; however of the studies that do exist, problem EGM use in the older adult cohort is frequently related to mental ill health as well as alcohol, tobacco, and other substance use. Addiction nurses are in a unique position to assess and detect problematic EGM gambling in older adults; however, few screening tools are used in clinical practice. Given the ease of access and increasing sophistication of EGMs, it is foreseeable that problematic EGM use will be an issue addiction nurses encounter in their future practice and one they should be aware of.

Life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia and sudden death during electronic gaming: An international case series and systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Electronic gaming has recently been reported as a precipitant of life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia in susceptible individuals. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to describe the population at risk, the nature of cardiac events, and the type of game linked to cardiac arrhythmia associated with electronic gaming. METHODS: A multisite international case series of suspected or proven cardiac arrhythmia during electronic gaming in children and a systematic review of the literature were performed. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients (18 in the case series and 4 via systematic review; aged 7-16 years; 19 males [86%]) were identified as having experienced suspected or proven ventricular arrhythmia during electronic gaming; 6 (27%) had experienced cardiac arrest, and 4 (18%) died suddenly. A proarrhythmic cardiac diagnosis was known in 7 (31%) patients before their gaming event and was established afterward in 12 (54%). Ten patients (45%) had catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, 4 (18%) had long QT syndrome, 2 (9%) were post-congenital cardiac surgery, 2 (9%) had "idiopathic" ventricular fibrillation, and 1 (after Kawasaki disease) had coronary ischemia. In 3 patients (14%), including 2 who died, the diagnosis remains unknown. In 13 (59%) patients for whom the electronic game details were known, 8 (62%) were war games. CONCLUSION: Electronic gaming can precipitate lethal cardiac arrhythmias in susceptible children. The incidence appears to be low, but syncope in this setting should be investigated thoroughly. In children with proarrhythmic cardiac conditions, electronic war games in particular are a potent arrhythmic trigger.

Mental health and behavioral problems associated with video game playing among Brazilian adolescents.

BACKGROUND: The problematic use of video games is linked to mental health and behavioral problems among adolescents. World reported averages for problematic use range from 1.3% to 19.3%. This is the first study to investigate these problems among Brazilian adolescents. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to describe the prevalence of the non-problematic and problematic use of video games among Brazilian adolescents, and to assess mental health and behavioral problems associated with both types of use. METHODS: This study used the baseline data of a cluster randomized controlled trial that evaluated the effectiveness of the school-based program #Tamojunto2.0. The sample included 3,939 eighth-grade students who answered an anonymous self-report questionnaire. Video game use was investigated through a question, and problematic use was assessed using a scale. Weighted logistic regressions were used to investigate the associated factors. RESULTS: The results show that 85.85% of the children reported playing video games in the past year, 28.17% fulfilled our criteria for problematic use. Non-problematic video game use is associated with being male, younger ages, and bullying perpetration. Problematic video game use is associated with being male, tobacco and alcohol use, bullying perpetrators, and bullying victims, with abnormal levels of hyperactivity/inattention, social behavior problems, conduct problems, peer relationship problems, and emotional symptoms. CONCLUSION: Brazilian adolescents' self-reported use of video games is compatible with the world average, but the percentage of those who showed problematic use is higher than the world average. This study demonstrates the need for investigating how to prevent and intervene in this situation.

Burden of neck pain and associated factors among smart phone user students in University of Gondar, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Mobile technology has spread rapidly around the globe. In 2018 the numbers of mobile subscribers in Ethiopia hit 66.2 million. Musculoskeletal complaints related to smartphone use in different body parts have been reported ranging from 8.2% to 89.9%. Neck pain has the highest prevalence rate, which ranges from 17.3% to 67.8%. However, there is limited evidence on the burden of neck pain related to Smartphone usage and no research is done in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the burden of neck pain and factors associated with smartphone use in Ethiopia. PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to identify the prevalence and factors associated with neck pain among smartphone users at University of Gondar. METHODS: Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted from November to December 2019 to determine the prevalence and associated factors of neck pain, with a sample of 845 university student smartphone users at University of Gondar, Ethiopia. A self-administered questionnaire adapted from the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire was used to collect data. Independent variables which had a significant association were identified using logistic regression models. Results were reported by using texts and frequency distribution tables. RESULTS: Out of 845 questionnaires distributed, 808 students responded; hence, the response rate was 95.6%. The overall prevalence of neck pain among smart phone users in the past 12 months was 47.4% (95% CI, 44.1-50.9%). Attending 5th year (AOR: 3.907, 95% CI: 1. 952-7.82) and 6th year (AOR: 2.93,95% CI: 1,304-6.59), regular physical exercise (AOR: 2.405, 95% CI: 1.549-3.734), cigarette smoking (AOR: 5.415, 95% CI: 2.685-10.919), residency (AOR: 1.681, 95% CI: 1.181-2.391), break while using smartphone (AOR: 3.253 95% CI: 2.252-4.699), used smartphone > 6 hour per day (AOR: 2.782 (1.528 95% CI: 1.528-5.063), used other devises (AOR: 3.158 95% CI: 2.128-4.689), number of social media used daily (AOR: 2.007 95% CI: 1.228-3.2788), used devise for playing game (AOR: 1.484 95% CI: 1.024-2.15) were factors significantly associated with neck pain. CONCLUSION: The current study depicted that nearly half of the study participants reported neck pain in the past 12 months. Attending last year of university, personal characteristics, use of smart phone for longer period, playing game, not taking break, other electronic device use, increased number of social media use were associated with neck pain among smartphone users.

Preditores de videogames para dispositivos móveis na dor do músculo esquelético entre estudantes universitários em Selangor, Malásia / Predictors of Mobile Video Gaming on Musculoskeletal Pain among University Students in Selangor, Malaysia

OBJETIVOS: Jogar videogames em dispositivos móveis tem aumentado rapidamente entre estudantes universitários, mais do que antes da pandemia do COVID-19. Isso é muito preocupante, pois pode desencadear vários problemas, como dores musculoesqueléticas e distúrbios de jogo. Vários estudos semelhantes foram realizados em vários países, mas limitados na Malásia. O presente estudo tem como objetivo investigar o efeito dos videogames móveis na dor musculoesquelética entre estudantes universitários em Selangor, Malásia. PARTICIPANTES E MÉTODOS: Este estudo foi conduzido online usando um questionário online auto-relatado por meio do Formulário Google e enviado a estudantes universitários em Selangor, Malásia. O vício em jogos dos participantes foi medido por meio do questionário Ten Item Internet Gaming Disorder test (IGDT-10) e a prevalência de dor musculoesquelética foi avaliada pelo Modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (MNMQ). RESULTADOS: A prevalência de Transtorno de Jogos na Internet entre estudantes universitários em Selangor, Malásia, é de 1,8% (n = 3). A região do pescoço (74,2%) foi a região do corpo mais comumente relatada com dor musculoesquelética, seguida pela região dos ombros (60,7%), região lombar (55,8%) e região superior das costas (50,9%). Houve associação significativa entre a posição corporal durante o videogame móvel (p = 0,002) e a dor musculoesquelética na região lombar. CONCLUSÃO: De acordo com os resultados deste estudo, a prevalência de Transtorno de Jogos na Internet entre estudantes universitários era baixa e não viciados em jogos no bloqueio Covid-19. Também descobrimos que os participantes que se sentaram enquanto jogavam videogames para celular tinham maior probabilidade de desenvolver dor lombar.

INTRODUCTION: Mobile video gaming among university students has increased rapidly, more than before the COVID-19 pandemic. This is very concerning as this could spark various problems, such as musculoskeletal pain and gaming disorders. OBJECTIVES: The present study is to identify the predictors of mobile video gaming on musculoskeletal pain among university students in Selangor, Malaysia. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: This study was conducted online using a self-reported online questionnaire via Google Form and sent to university students in Selangor, Malaysia. Participants' gaming addiction was measured using the Ten Item Internet Gaming Disorder Test (IGDT-10) questionnaire, and the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain was assessed by the Modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (MNMQ). The data was analyzed using SPSS version 25. A descriptive and binomial linear regression test was used to predict the variables. The statistical significance was set at p < 0.05, and odds ratios were calculated with confidence intervals of 95%. RESULTS: The prevalence of Internet Gaming Disorder among university students in Selangor, Malaysia is 1.8% (n=3). The neck region (74.2%) was the most commonly reported body region with musculoskeletal pain, followed by the shoulder region (60.7 %), lower back region (55.8 %), and upper back region (50.9 %). The body position was the only predictor of mobile video gaming with musculoskeletal pain (p = 0.002) in the lower back region. CONCLUSION: According to the findings of this study, the prevalence of Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) among university students was low and not addicted to gaming in the Covid-19 lockdown. We also found that participants who sat while playing mobile video games were more likely to develop low back pain. However, one of the limiting factors could be prolonged sitting in virtual classes during the lockdown, which causes low back pain.

Introducción de vídeojuegos en el tratamiento convencional de la ambliopía funcional / Incorporation of videogames into the conventional treatment for functional amblyopia

RESUMEN Objetivo: Valorar la efectividad del vídeojuego en educandos que padecen ambliopía funcional. Métodos: Se confeccionó la historia clínica de cada paciente, la cual incluyó la revisión oftalmológica completa, la evaluación de la agudeza visual con la prueba adecuada a cada edad, y se evaluó la presencia de supresión mediante la prueba de filtro rojo y las luces de Worth. Cada prueba se realizó de forma individual según el tipo y la severidad de la ambliopía, y se le indicó la refracción correspondiente. Los pacientes se dividieron en dos grupos: al grupo A se le aplicó la terapia tradicional de la ambliopía, y al grupo B se le siguió la misma pauta que un tratamiento tradicional de ambliopía, pero con la introducción de vídeojuegos. Resultados: Se observó en el grupo A un predominio de los pacientes con agudeza visual inicial entre 0,2 - 0,4 (50 %), la cual se incrementó en dos líneas o más en el (55 %); sin embargo, en el grupo B la agudeza inicial entre 0,2 - 0,4 fue de 56,5 %. Los resultados sensoriales seis meses posteriores al tratamiento, según cada grupo de estudio, mostraron en el grupo B una reducción de la supresión en el 91,3 %, y en el grupo A de un 75 %. Conclusión: La terapia visual combinada con vídeojuego es efectiva; mejora la agudeza visual; elimina y reduce la supresión, por lo que constituye una herramienta que complementa la terapia visual tradicional de la ambliopía.

ABSTRACT Objective: Assess the effectiveness of videogames for students suffering from functional amblyopia. Methods: A clinical record was developed for each patient, which included complete ophthalmological examination, visual acuity evaluation with the suitable test for each age, and determination of the presence of suppression by the red filter test and the Worth lights test. Each test was conducted individually according to the type and severity of amblyopia, and the corresponding refraction was indicated. The patients were divided into two groups: Group A received traditional amblyopia therapy, whereas Group B underwent traditional amblyopia treatment combined with the incorporation of videogames. Results: Group A showed a predominance of patients with initial visual acuity between 0.2 - 0.4 (50%), which increased two lines or more in 55%. However, in Group B initial visual acuity ranged between 0.2 - 0.4 in 56.5%. Six months after treatment, sensory results were 91.3% suppression reduction in Group B and 75% in Group A. Conclusion: Visual therapy proved effective when combined with videogames: visual acuity improved and suppression was reduced. It is thus a suitable tool to complement the traditional visual therapy for amblyopia.

Prevalence and risk factors for internet gaming disorder

Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of internet gaming disorder (IGD) and associated risk factors in a sample of secondary and postsecondary students from a public federal institution of higher education (Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia) in Southern Brazil. Methods: The study included a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Self-Report Questionnaire (SRQ-20), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI-BR), the Mini-Social Phobia Inventory (Mini-SPIN), and the Game Addiction Scale (GAS). Finally, IGD was measured with the Brazilian version of the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short-Form (IGDS9-SF), which has been psychometrically validated in this population. Results: Overall, 38.2% (n=212) of the sample exhibited IGD symptoms, with 18.2% (n=101) being classed as at-risk gamers. Regression analysis found IGD to be associated with male gender, severe depressive symptoms, poor sleep quality, increased time spent gaming, and total free time spent gaming (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The prevalence of IGD in this sample was relatively high, and associated risk factors found were similar to those previously reported in the literature. Further studies investigating the epidemiology of IGD in Brazilian samples are warranted to better understand treatment needs and inform preventive measures in this population.

Trastorno por juego en Internet: ¿Existen diferencias en cuanto al género? / Internet gaming disorder: ¿Are there any gender differences?

La evidencia para el diagnóstico y el manejo del trastorno por juego en Internet está creciendo. Factores psicológicos y biológicos están involucrados en su etiopatogenia y estos factores pueden presentar diferentes niveles de contribución al trastorno dependiendo del género del paciente. Teniendo en cuenta que la tasa de individuos masculinos en comparación con la tasa femenina en el trastorno por juego en Internet es de aproximadamente 3:1 y que la mayoría de los estudios disponibles se realizan en poblaciones predominantemente masculinas, se realizó una revisión narrativa, no sistemática, centrada en literatura primaria y seleccionada de una búsqueda en las bases de datos PubMed y SciELO. Los términos clave que se utilizaron fueron los siguientes: "Internet Gaming Disorder" y "Internet Gaming Disorder and Gender". Todos los miembros del equipo de investigación participaron en la revisión de la literatura. Todo lo anterior se realizó a fin de presentar una imagen general sobre las diferencias de género en los juegos en línea, que pueda servir para mejorar los conocimientos de los trabajadores de la salud mental sobre este desafiante grupo de pacientes.

The body of evidence for Internet Gaming Disorder is growing. Both psychological and biological factors are involved in its etiopathogenesis and these factors may present different levels of contribution to the disorder depending on the gender of the patient. Taking into account that the rate of male individuals compared with the female rate in the Internet Gaming Disorder is about 3:1 and that most of the available studies are done in predominantly male populations, a non-systematic narrative review was done, focused on primary literature and selected from a search in PubMed and SciELO databases. The key terms used were: "Internet gaming disorder" and "Internet gaming disorder and gender". All members of the research team participated in the review of the literature. All the above was done in order to present a general picture about gender differences in online games, which can be used to improve the knowledge of mental health workers about this challenging group of patients.

Uso de videojuegos en alumnos de la escuela secundaria y factores asociados / Video game use among secondary school students and associated factors

Introducción: el avance de la tecnología e internet aumentaron la frecuencia con que los niños utilizan videojuegos. El objetivo fue determinar la frecuencia y patrones de uso y la adicción a videojuegos (AVJ) en alumnos de secundaria y la relación con factores sociodemográficos, familiares e individuales. Población y métodos: estudio descriptivo transversal en cuatro escuelas secundarias. Se realizó un cuestionario estructurado a los padres y la "Videogame Addiction Scale for Children (VASC)" a los alumnos jugadores de videojuegos. Resultados: se incluyó a 297 alumnos; 245 (82,5 %) jugaban a videojuegos. La tasa total de AVJ fue 1,6 % en toda la muestra. La tasa de AVJ fue 3,1 % entre los varones. La media geométrica para VASC (MG-VASC) fue mayor en varones y alumnos obesos (p < 0,001, p = 0,022, respectivamente). Los alumnos que utilizan redes sociales tuvieron puntajes más altos (p = 0,034). Las consolas, los juegos en línea y multijugador aumentan los puntajes de la MG-VASC (p = 0,028, p = 0,002, p = 0,016, respectivamente). Los juegos de guerra y estrategia tenían MG-VASC más elevadas (p < 0,001, p = 0,034, respectivamente). Los juegos de ingenio y casuales se relacionaron con puntajes menores (p = 0,006, p = 0,004, respectivamente).Conclusiones. Ser varón, ser obeso, usar redes sociales, tener consola, jugar a géneros específicos (guerra o estrategia), y los juegos en línea y multijugador están relacionados a mayores puntajes de la VASC en alumnos de secundaria. Los estudios prospectivos y las medidas preventivas deberían centrarse en esto.

Introduction: The rapid progress of technology and widespread use of internet has increased thefrequency of video gaming among children. The objective was to determine the frequency and patterns of video game use and video game addiction (VGA) in secondary school students and the relationship with socio-demographic, familial and individual factors. Population and methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in four secondary schools in varied sociodemographic characteristics. A structured questionnaire was applied to the parents who agreed to participate. 'Videogame Addiction Scale for Children (VASC)' was performed to the video-gamer students. Results: 297 healthy students were included; 245 (82.5 %) reported as video game players. The rate of VGA was 1.6 % in our whole sample. The VGA rate was 3.1 % within the male students. VASC-Geometric Mean Score (VASC-GMS) was significantly higher in male and obese children (p < 0.001, p= 0.022, respectively). Students who use socialmedia also had higher scores (p= 0.034). Gaming consoles, online games or games with multiplayers increase the VASC-GMS scores (p= 0.028, p= 0.002, p= 0.016, respectively). War and strategy games lead higher VASC-GMS (p < 0.001, p= 0.034, respectively). In contrast, mind and casual games were related to lower VASC-GMS (p= 0.006, p= 0.004, respectively).Conclusions. It was observed that being male, being obese, use of social media, game console ownership, playing specific game genres (war or strategy games), online and multiplayer games are related to higher scores of video game addiction scale in secondary school students. Future prospective studies and preventive measures on VGA should focus on these factors.

Augmented reality game-related injury.

There are an increasing number of injuries associated with ambulatory mobile phone use. Pokémon Go is one of the first widely used mobile phone augmented reality games and generated substantial media interest. We present a case of electrical burns in a Pokémon Go player and review literature on ambulatory mobile phone injuries.

Musculoskeletal pain and musculoskeletal syndromes in adolescents are related to electronic devices / Dor musculoesquelética e síndromes musculoesqueléticas em adolescentes relacionadas a dispositivos eletrônicos

Abstract Objective: To evaluate television and simultaneous electronic devices use in adolescents with musculoskeletal pain and musculoskeletal pain syndromes. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in 299 healthy adolescents of a private school. All students completed a self-administered questionnaire, including: demographic data, physical activities, musculoskeletal pain symptoms, and use of simultaneous television/electronic devices (computer, internet, electronic games, and cell phones). Seven musculoskeletal pain syndromes were also evaluated: juvenile fibromyalgia, benign joint hypermobility syndrome, myofascial syndrome, tendinitis, bursitis, epicondylitis, and complex regional pain syndrome. Results: Inter-rater agreement between pretest and retest was 0.83. Musculoskeletal pain and musculoskeletal pain syndrome were found in 183/299 (61%) and 60/183 (33%), respectively. The median age (15 [10-18] vs. 14 [10-18] years, p = 0.032) and years of education (10 [5-12] vs. 9 [5-12] years, p = 0.011) were significantly higher in adolescents with musculoskeletal pain when compared with those without this condition. The frequencies of female gender (59% vs. 47%, p = 0.019), cell phone use (93% vs. 81%, p = 0.003), and simultaneous use of at least two electronic devices (80% vs. 67%, p = 0.011) were significantly higher in the former group. Further comparisons between adolescents with and without musculoskeletal pain syndromes revealed that the frequency of female gender was significantly higher in the former group (75% vs. 25%, p = 0.002), and with a significantly reduced median of weekends/holidays electronic games use (1.5 [0-10] vs. 3 [0-17] h/day, p = 0.006). Conclusions: A high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain/syndromes was observed in female adolescents. Musculoskeletal pain was mostly reported at a median age of 15 years, and students used at least two electronic devices. Reduced use of electronic games was associated with musculoskeletal pain syndromes.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar o uso de televisão e dispositivos eletrônicos em adolescentes com dor e síndromes musculoesqueléticas. Métodos: Foi feito um estudo transversal com 299 adolescentes saudáveis de uma escola particular. Todos os alunos responderam a um questionário autoaplicável, que incluiu perguntas sobre: dados demográficos, prática de atividade física, sintomas de dor musculoesquelética e o uso de televisão/dispositivos eletrônicos (computador, internet, jogos eletrônicos e celular). Sete síndromes musculoesqueléticas foram avaliadas: fibromialgia juvenil, síndrome de hipermobilidade articular benigna, síndrome miofascial, tendinite, bursite, epicondilite e síndrome de dor regional complexa. Resultados: A concordância entre o pré-teste e reteste foi de 0,83. Dor musculoesquelética e síndromes musculoesqueléticas foram encontradas em 183/299 (61%) e 60/183 (33%), respectivamente. As medianas de idade [15 (10-18) versus 14 (10-18) anos, p = 0,032] e de anos de escolaridade [10 (5-12) vs. 9 (5-12) anos, p = 0,010] foram significantemente maiores em adolescentes com dor musculoesquelética em comparação com aqueles sem essa condição. As frequências do sexo feminino (59% versus 47% p = 0,019), uso do telefone celular (93% contra 81%, p = 0,003) e do uso simultâneo de pelo menos dois dispositivos eletrônicos (80% vs. 67%, p = 0,011) foram significantemente maiores no grupo de adolescentes com dor musculoesquelética. Comparações adicionais entre os adolescentes com e sem síndromes musculoesqueléticas revelaram que a frequência do sexo feminino foi significantemente maior no primeiro grupo (75% versus 25%, p = 0,002) e com mediana significantemente reduzida de horas de jogos eletrônicos nos fins de semana e feriados [1,5 (0-10) vs. 3 (0-17) horas/dia, p = 0,006]. Conclusões: Uma alta prevalência de dor/síndromes musculoesqueléticas foi observada em adolescentes do sexo feminino. A dor musculoesquelética foi predominantemente relatada entre alunos com mediana de idade de 15 anos e que usavam pelo menos dois dispositivos eletrônicos simultaneamente. O uso reduzido de jogos eletrônicos foi associado à presença de síndromes musculoesqueléticas.

PlayStation PortableTM como tratamiento de la ambliopía en los niños / PlayStation PortableTM as treatment for children with amblyopia

Objetivo: Determinar la efectividad de la terapia visual con el uso del PlayStation PortableTM en la ambliopía. Método: Se incluyeron 40 pacientes de 5-10 años de edad con ambliopía estrábica, anisometrópica o ambas, aleatorizados en 4 grupos según el tipo de terapia a utilizar (10 pacientes por grupo): grupo 1, PlayStation PortableTM y lentes rojo-verde; grupo 2, PlayStation PortableTM y lentes con vidrio esmerilado en el ojo fijador (no ambliope); grupo 3, PlayStation PortableTM y parche oclusivo en el ojo fijador; grupo 4, parche oclusivo en el ojo fijador sin el PlayStation PortableTM. Todos los pacientes utilizaron su refracción. Las actividades de los grupos 1 al 3 incluyeron jugar videojuegos y ver películas 1-2 horas al día; el grupo 4 podía realizar cualquier actividad. Se valoró la agudeza visual mejor corregida semanalmente, hasta completar 3 meses de tratamiento. En el postratamiento se valoró la agudeza visual mejor corregida mensualmente durante 3 meses. Resultados: En total se estudiaron 40 pacientes, de los cuales el 60 por ciento fueron del sexo femenino, con un promedio de edad de 8,2 años, rango de 5-10 años. El tipo más frecuente de ambliopía fue la estrábica (55 por ciento), seguido de la anisometrópica (37,5 por ciento) y ambas (7,5 por ciento). En cuanto al ojo afectado, en el 62,5 por ciento fue el ojo izquierdo y en el 37,5 por ciento el ojo derecho. Conclusiones: En este estudio el grupo con mejores resultados fue el de filtro rojo-verde. Al suspender la terapia se observó un deterioro visual en los cuatro grupos, sin regresar a la basal. Se demuestra que el PlayStation PortableTM funciona como terapia en la ambliopía con una mejoría en la agudeza visual mejor corregida(AU)

Objective: Determine the effectiveness of visual therapy with PlayStation PortableTM for amblyopia. Methods: The study sample was composed of 40 patients aged 5-10 years with strabismic amblyopia, anisometropic amblyopia or both, randomized to 4 groups according to the therapy to be used (10 patients per group): Group 1: PlayStation PortableTM and red-green lenses; Group 2: PlayStation PortableTM and frosted glass lenses on the fixating (non-amblyopic) eye; Group 3: PlayStation PortableTM and occlusive patch on the fixating eye; Group 4: occlusive patch on the fixating eye without PlayStation PortableTM. All the patients used their refraction. The activities performed by Groups 1-3 included playing video games and watching movies 1-2 hours per day; Group 4 could perform any activity. Best corrected visual acuity was measured weekly until completing 3 months of treatment. In the post-treatment period best corrected visual acuity was measured monthly for 3 months. Results: A total 40 patients were studied, of whom 60 percent were female, with a mean age of 8.2 years, range of 5-10 years. Strabismic amblyopia was the most common type (55 percent), followed by anisometropic amblyopia (37,5 percent) and both (7.5 percent). The affected eye was the left eye in 62.5 percent and the right eye in 37.5 percent. Conclusions: It was found that PlayStation PortableTM is effective as therapy for amblyopia, improving best corrected visual acuity. The group with the best results was the red-green filter group. Upon suspension of the therapy, visual deterioration was observed in the 4 groups, without returning to baseline values(AU)

Playing video games for more than 3 hours a day is associated with shoulder and elbow pain in elite young male baseball players.

BACKGROUND: The effect of lifestyle factors on elbow or shoulder pain in young baseball players remains unclear. This study examined the association of game playing and television viewing with elbow or shoulder pain among elite young baseball players. METHODS: Study participants were young baseball players (age, 9-12 years) who participated in the National Junior Sports Clubs Baseball Festival in 2017. The national tournament invited 16 teams (totaling 210 players) selected based on the results of the regional qualifying tournaments. Self-reported questionnaires were mailed to all players before the tournament. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to assess the association of video game playing and television viewing behavior with elbow or shoulder pain. RESULTS: Among the 210 players polled, 200 male players were included in the analysis. The prevalence of elbow or shoulder pain was 30.0%. Playing video games for ≥3 hours/day was significantly associated with elbow or shoulder pain vs. spending <1 hour/day playing video games (odds ratio, 5.59; 95% confidence interval, 1.44-21.64; P = .013). The amount of time spent watching television was not significantly associated with the prevalence of elbow or shoulder pain. CONCLUSIONS: Playing video games for ≥3 hours/day was associated with elbow or shoulder pain among elite young male baseball players. These findings highlight the effect of lifestyle on elbow and shoulder pain and should be taken into consideration by players, coaches, parents, and clinicians for the prevention of elbow and shoulder pain.

Obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and video games: The new thrombophilia cocktail in adolescents.

Rates of venous thromboembolism have increased in the adolescent population over the last two decades, likely due to advanced diagnostics, increased use of central venous catheters, chronic medical conditions, obesity, and oral contraceptive use. Of these factors, a modifiable risk factor for adolescents is obesity. Sedentary lifestyle and prolonged immobilization are additional prothrombotic risk factors that are often associated with obesity. With ever-increasing screen time, sedentary behavior has risen accordingly, especially among gamers. We present four cases of adolescents who developed life-threatening venous thromboembolic events in the setting of obesity, sedentary lifestyle and/or immobilization, and prolonged video game use.

Musculoskeletal pain and musculoskeletal syndromes in adolescents are related to electronic devices.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate television and simultaneous electronic devices use in adolescents with musculoskeletal pain and musculoskeletal pain syndromes. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed in 299 healthy adolescents of a private school. All students completed a self-administered questionnaire, including: demographic data, physical activities, musculoskeletal pain symptoms, and use of simultaneous television/electronic devices (computer, internet, electronic games, and cell phones). Seven musculoskeletal pain syndromes were also evaluated: juvenile fibromyalgia, benign joint hypermobility syndrome, myofascial syndrome, tendinitis, bursitis, epicondylitis, and complex regional pain syndrome. RESULTS: Inter-rater agreement between pretest and retest was 0.83. Musculoskeletal pain and musculoskeletal pain syndrome were found in 183/299 (61%) and 60/183 (33%), respectively. The median age (15 [10-18] vs. 14 [10-18] years, p=0.032) and years of education (10 [5-12] vs. 9 [5-12] years, p=0.011) were significantly higher in adolescents with musculoskeletal pain when compared with those without this condition. The frequencies of female gender (59% vs. 47%, p=0.019), cell phone use (93% vs. 81%, p=0.003), and simultaneous use of at least two electronic devices (80% vs. 67%, p=0.011) were significantly higher in the former group. Further comparisons between adolescents with and without musculoskeletal pain syndromes revealed that the frequency of female gender was significantly higher in the former group (75% vs. 25%, p=0.002), and with a significantly reduced median of weekends/holidays electronic games use (1.5 [0-10] vs. 3 [0-17]h/day, p=0.006). CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain/syndromes was observed in female adolescents. Musculoskeletal pain was mostly reported at a median age of 15 years, and students used at least two electronic devices. Reduced use of electronic games was associated with musculoskeletal pain syndromes.