Title:Cardiology and Neurophysiological Stimulation of Internet Gaming
Disorders: A Systematic Review
Volume: 20
Issue: 5
Author(s): Immaculate Joy Selvam*
Affiliation:
- Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Saveetha Engineering College, Thandalam, Chennai,
India
Keywords:
Internet gaming disorder, DSM-5, sympathetic activity, greater thalamic activation, neuroimaging, cognitive assessments.
Abstract:
Background: Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) is recognized as a mental health condition
associated with excessive video gaming, leading to functional impairments. The inclusion of
IGD in the DSM-5 has underscored the importance of comprehensively understanding its physiological
and psychological effects.
Objective: This systematic review aims to analyze and synthesize existing literature on the cardiophysiological
and neurophysiological activities of individuals diagnosed with IGD, with a focus
on identifying patterns, trends, and implications for clinical practice and future research.
Methods: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed and Scopus databases to identify relevant
studies published up to 2023. The search strategy included terms related to IGD, cardiophysiology,
neurophysiology, and relevant measurement techniques. Inclusion criteria encompassed
peer-reviewed research articles and clinical trials examining cardiophysiological (e.g.,
heart rate variability, blood pressure) and neurophysiological (e.g., brain imaging, electroencephalography)
parameters in individuals with IGD. Exclusion criteria were applied to ensure
methodological rigor and relevance to the research question.
Results: The initial search yielded 1320 papers related to IGD, of which twenty studies met the
eligibility criteria and were included in the review. Data extraction and synthesis focused on key
cardiophysiological and neurophysiological outcomes observed in individuals with IGD compared
to healthy controls. Findings revealed decreased Heart Rate Variability (HRV), increased
sympathetic activity, and executive control deficits in IGD individuals based on Electrocardiogram
(ECG) recordings and cognitive assessments. Neuroimaging studies demonstrated heightened
brain activation in the lateral and prefrontal cortex, altered reward processing, and impulse
control mechanisms among IGD subjects. Gender-specific differences were noted, with males
exhibiting distinct thalamic activation striatum and decreased Regional Homogeneity (ReHo) in
the right Posterior Cingulate (rPCC) compared to females.
Discussion: The synthesized evidence indicates a complex interplay between excessive gaming
and cardiophysiological/neurophysiological changes, highlighting the need for multidimensional
assessments in diagnosing and managing IGD. Implications for clinical practice include early
detection using ECG, EEG, and advanced neuroimaging techniques, as well as personalized interventions
tailored to individual characteristics and gender-specific differences.
Conclusion: This systematic review provides a comprehensive overview of the cardiophysiological
and neurophysiological activities associated with Internet Gaming Disorder. The findings
underscore the need for further research to elucidate underlying mechanisms, develop standardized
diagnostic protocols, and optimize targeted interventions for individuals with IGD.
