Comparison of Physical Activity, Dual-Task Performance, and Cognitive Skills Between Problematic Video Game Players and Control Subjects.

INTRODUCTION:  This study aimed to compare the dual-task and cognitive skills of problematic video gamers and non-problematic video gamers based on the fact that cognitive skills (e.g., inhibition, decision-making, attentional control, time perception) and dual-task performance may be positively affected in individuals who play games. METHODS: The study was conducted on 62 individuals. The study group (n=33) consisted of individuals who played games, and the control group (n=28) consisted of non-gamers. Their scores on exercise benefits and barriers perception, cognitive performance, cognitive skills, and dual-task performances were measured. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scale was used to evaluate cognitive function, and the Trail Making Test (TMT) was used to determine attention, speed, and better motor performance. The Stroop test was used to evaluate executive functioning. RESULTS: It was determined that the problematic game players group was faster at the Stroop 1 and Stroop 2 test times (respectively p=0.020, p=0.005). In the comparison of dual task-cognitive 10-meter walking) test times of both groups, it was seen that individuals in the problematic game players group were faster than the control subjects (p=0.044). CONCLUSION: It can be said that playing digital games improves the cognitive dual-task cost (DTC) and the executive functioning of individuals.

The comparison of tone and viscoelastic properties of superior orbicularis oris muscle in multiple sclerosis patients to healthy individuals.

BACKGROUND: The orbicularis oris muscle is an important muscle for oral perception in mouth and swallowing rehabilitation. The muscle can be affected in patients with multiple sclerosis for many reasons. It is important to understand the quantitative changes in this muscle to determine the many problems associated with the cranio-facial region in multiple sclerosis. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the mechanical properties of the orbicularis oris muscle between MS patients and healthy individuals. METHODS: A total of 55 individuals (28 with multiple sclerosis and 27 healthy) who met the inclusion criteria were evaluated. The tone and viscoelastic properties (elasticity and stiffness) of the superior orbicularis oris muscle of both groups were evaluated bilaterally in the supine position with the MyotonPro® (Myoton AS, Estonia) device. The reference point of the muscle is accepted as the right and left paramedial philtrum dimple. RESULTS: It was observed that there was no difference in terms of stiffness values of the right and left orbicularis oris muscles of both groups (p>0.05). The tone and the elasticity of the muscle on both sides were higher in the HI group than MS group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: We think that the orbicularis oris muscle has a central location in the facial region, and that this muscle may be the key muscle for the symptoms arising from many neurological mechanisms. The decrease in muscle tone and elasticity may be the beginning of the changes in MS patients. We believe that the data from this muscle will be useful for comparative studies.

Investigating the effects of appropriate fitting footwear on functional performance level, balance and fear of falling in older adults: A comparative-observational study.

The aim of the study was to assess the characteristics of footwear altogether and to compare the effect of appropriate-fitting and ill-fitting footwear on functional performance, balance, and fear of falling (FoF) in older adults. Individuals who wore appropriate-fitting (n = 61) or ill-fitting footwear (n = 92) were enrolled in the study. Footwear was evaluated using the Footwear Assessment Scale (FAS). The participants were assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) for balance, the Timed Up and Go test for functional performance and the Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale for FoF. Tests were conducted twice for each individual with or without footwear. Differences between the groups were analyzed using the MANOVA for scores of balance, performance and fear of falling and Chi-squared test for homogeneity. The Paired t-test was used to compare test scores with or without footwear. It was concluded that appropriate-fitting footwear improves balance, reduces fear of falling and may affect functional performance positively. ClinicalTrials.gov No: NCT04151654.