Effect of Brain Gym Exercises on Cognitive Performance and Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor Levels in Mobile Addicts: A pre–postexperimental study

Vollständiger Abstract

Worum geht es in dieser Arbeit?

Abstract Background: Smartphones are integral to daily life, but excessive use can lead to smartphone addiction (SMA), especially in young adults. SMA is associated with stress, sleep disturbances, depression, reduced cognitive capacity, and poor quality of life. Brain Gym exercises (BGEs) are known to improve brain function and show positive effects on anxiety, depression, dementia, and sleep issues. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the impact of BGEs on cognitive performance and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in mobile addicts. Methodology: A pre–postexperimental study was conducted on 39 participants aged 18–25 years diagnosed with SMA. Participants underwent 20 BGE sessions over 4 weeks. Cognitive performance (through a game-based app) and serum BDNF (through blood test) were measured pre- and postintervention. Results: Postintervention, both cognition scores and BDNF levels significantly improved ( P = 0.001), with large effect sizes of 4.04 and 2.45, respectively. Conclusion: BGEs effectively enhance cognitive performance and increase BDNF levels in young adults with SMA.