Video Game Group Research Articles

Global visual attention SPAN in different video game genres

Video games, specifically action video games, have been demonstrated to be a useful tool in improving certain visual aspects in the general population. Visual attention span, the ability to simultaneously process multiple distinct visual elements during a single fixation, has been shown to improve among action video game players. The goal of this study was to verify that visual attention span is better not only in action video games, but also in other video game genres such as sports simulators or role-playing games. A total of 41 participants, aged 18 to 40 years old, were asked about the type of video games they were playing, name and genre, and the frequency of play. Visual attention span was assessed in all participants. Participants were divided into 4 groups according to the genre of video game they played. The total percentage of letter identification in the visual attention span was not significantly different between groups. A significant difference was found in the sixth position letter, and the right hemifield performance between groups, especially in sports simulators and action video game participants who showed a better performance. The action video game group showed a significant correlation between visual attention span performance and weekly hours played. Playing regularly different genres other than action video games can contribute to raise visual attention resources.

The effect of action and casual video games on visual reaction time and accommodation in non-gamers

Aim: To understand the effect of video games on non-gamers’ visual reaction time (VRT) and Accommodation. Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted to evaluate the effect of video games on VRT and Accommodation in non-gamers. Subjects between the age of 18-28 years with BCVA 0.0 LogMAR; 0.63M were enrolled in this study. A written consent was obtained. Subjects having binocular vision anomalies, systemic diseases, learning disabilities, and dry eyes were excluded from the study. All subjects underwent a comprehensive eye exam. In addition, VRT and Accommodation were measured pre and post exposure to video games. VRT was assessed with PEBL (Psychology Experiment Building Language) and WAM open field autorefractor was used to measure Accommodation. Result: 17 subjects (15 females and 2 males) participated in the study with the mean age of 21 ± 1.70 years. In the action video game group, mean VRT decreased significantly from 362.56±31.68ms to 348.75±31.35ms post video game exposure (p<0.05). The mean VRT in casual video game group pre video game exposure was 358±29.56ms and post was 353.89±26.8ms (p>0.05). The accommodative response exhibits a significant change, with pre-exposure mean of -0.98D and post exposure mean of -1.20D (p<0.05). Conclusion: Action video games were found to enhance VRT significantly, making them a potential tool for activities requiring rapid reactions. While casual video games also improved VRT, the changes were not statistically significant. Moreover, both types of video games had a significant impact on accommodative responses, which could be clinically relevant for individuals with accommodation related issues.

Effect of the Costa Resiliente serious game on community disaster resilience

Higher frequency and intensity of disasters has raised the need to increase community resilience skills. The problem of fostering social skills is being solved with gamification. Gamification consists of mixing game mechanisms with social life based on the idea that games have positive implications at the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral levels. We analyzed if the Costa Resiliente Serious Game improves resilience skills in a coastal community of Southern Chile. Participants (N = 349) answered a questionnaire with six social-psychological scales, before and after playing the game. We tested changes in participants' responses regarding the group type (board game, video game and control group), age (10–19; 20–44; >45) and their location (facing the sea or inland). The positive significant effect of the game on community resilience is confirmed in the Neighborhood Interaction and Objective Knowledge scales (cognitive aspects). Such effect varies by age group and group type. The Intention of Evacuation to Elevated Areas (behavioral aspect) decreased in people living in coastal areas facing the sea, and the Home Place Attachment (affective aspect) increased in the same group, which is considered a negative effect of the game on community resilience. The closeness between home and evacuation sites, and the possible effect of past experiences and informal exchanges on knowledge about risk may explain these results. Costa Resiliente Serious Game has the potential for changing cognitive responses in particular age groups, with their positive effect for resilience. Recommendations are elaborated for the game in order to have a positive effect on other resilience skills.

Wargaming Simulator MASA SWORD for Training and Education of Czech Army Officers

The article deals with expanding the capabilities of the University of Defence in the field of training and education of new officers of the Czech Army using newly introduced simulation technology. First, it looks at the beginnings of the use of simulations to support and develop teaching. One of those steps was the establishment of a professional-level computer games group. This gave students the opportunity to gain experience in commanding and managing combat while playing computer games such as Counter-Strike. Currently, students have the opportunity to deepen their command and tactical skills during practical field training or in virtual environments while playing games based on virtual and constructive simulation. Another section explains the importance and role of these simulations in teaching professional soldiers. It is very important for future combat commanders to gain as much experience as possible in commanding and directing combat activity in the conduct of military operations before they occur. Finally, it deals with the newly acquired MASA SWORD simulator, which offers another and much more complex tool for gaining valuable experience. MASA SWORD, unlike the software currently in use, can be controlled by only one user without the need to connect other users or perform control exercises. It includes a scenario building tool, constructive simulation and analytical tools for evaluating created simulations. In addition to its use in teaching and educating students, the simulator can be used for staff training, support for commander planning and decision-making, analysis and, last but not least, operational research. In the last section, the article evaluates the usefulness of simulations for teaching, science and research. It also reports on ongoing qualitative research methods to predict the next direction of development and possible connectivity with other simulators.

Effects of cognitive training on memory in SCD and MCI participants: Preliminary results of a single‐blind RCT comparing a web‐based application and a narrative videogame

AbstractBackgroundCognitive training has been found to be effective in preventing and delaying cognitive decline in MCI and early dementia, and gains could be enhanced with transcranial electrical stimulation (tDCS). Cognitive‐training applications (app) allow remote interventions, optimize the cost‐benefit ratio, and a continuous monitoring. Most of apps are web‐based applications but specific narrative cognitive‐training video‐games are scarce. Our RCT aims to compare memory changes after training using a web‐based app (i.e., NeuronUp) and a narrative video‐game (i.e., ‘Following the traces of time’) combining with tDCS or Sham (placebo).MethodFifty‐three participants with SCDs and MCI were randomized assigned to the five experimental groups (i.e., Active‐control=11; NeuronUP‐tDCS=14; NeuronUP‐Sham=9; Videogame‐tDCS=9; Videogame‐Sham=10). NeuronUP groups sequentially performed 24 computerized activities (in 8 activities/session cycles) with increasing in complexity according actual performance. Videogame groups resolved puzzles with three difficulty levels integrated into a meaningful narrative plot allowing them to advance in the story. NeuronUP and Videogame mainly implemented memory and executive function training. The active‐control group attended specific classes for older people (i.e., computing and mildfulness/philosophy). All interventions extended along 20 hours (5 weekly sessions of 120 min for 2 weeks) and participants simultaneously received 20’ of tDCS/Sham in the last 6 sessions.Pre‐Post assessments were accomplished to tests changes in measures of immediate verbal recall (Lists A and B of the RAVLT), and prospective memory (Forms 1 and 2 of the Event‐Related Task; MPMT).ResultsRepeat measures ANOVA showed that Immediate recall (Figure 1) significantly improved in post‐intervention, F(1,48)=12.56, p=.001, ηp2 =.207, but Group*Measurement interaction was not significant. Group factor differences only pointed out significant improvement in the tDCS‐NeuronUP group compared to the Sham‐Videogame group.Prospective memory (Figure 2) also showed improvement in post‐intervention, F(1,48)=12.79, p=.001, ηp2 =.210, but neither main Group effect or Group*Measurement interaction achieved significance.ConclusionsTrends showed significant memory improvements particularly in NeuronUP‐groups. tDCS seems to take some responsibility in the improvement mainly in the videogame‐group. The intensity of training and automatic difficulty adjustment associated with the NeuronUP app, along with the enhancing effect of tDCS, appear to be responsible for further improving memory.

Comparison of active versus passive audiovisual distraction tools on children's behaviour, anxiety and pain in paediatric dentistry: a randomised crossover clinical trial.

To determine the effect of active distraction when playing PlayStation® video games, compared to passive distraction when watching a cartoon with audiovisual eyeglasses, on parental perception of patients' anxiety, and children's anxiety, pain, behaviour and heart rate during restorative procedures in paediatric dentistry. Study design: Randomised crossover clinical trial. There were 34 patients in the cartoon film group (passive distraction) and 34 in the Playstation® video game group (active distraction), aged 6-8 years, who required a minimum of 2 visits for restorative treatment. Rimax® iVision 5.0 eyeglasses were used in both groups. Parental perception of patients' anxiety (Modified Corah Dental Anxiety Scale), and children's anxiety (Venham Picture Test), pain (Wong-Baker Faces Scale), behaviour (Frankl Scale) and heart rate were evaluated at each of the treatment visits. Preference for and satisfaction with the audiovisual product were also assessed. There were significant differences in self-reported pain between control (P=0.016) and experimental (P=0.013) visits in both groups, with lower values in the Playstation® video game group. No significant differences were found (P>0.05) in the other variables evaluated with the use of active distraction. A significant increase in heart rate was recorded at each treatment visit (P=0.0001) when the anaesthetic was injected. All the patients wanted to continue watching or playing their chosen cartoon or Playstation® video game during subsequent visits. The use of PlayStation® video games for active audiovisual distraction, compared with passive distraction with a cartoon, improved self-reported pain but did not reduce parents' perception of patients' anxiety, pain, global behaviour, or heart rate. Both distraction methods were accepted by paediatric patients.

Effect of Video Games on the Adverse Corollaries of Chemotherapy at Pediatric Oncology Patients

Abstract: Chemotherapy causes many acute side effects. Video games distraction is a method that helps in relieving adverse corollaries. Aim: To investigate the effect of video games on the adverse corollaries of chemotherapy at pediatric oncology patients. Design: A quasi-experimental research design was utilized. Subjects: - A convenient sample of 100 children suffering from cancer undergoing chemotherapy was equally assigned into two groups the video games group (50 children) and the control group (50 children). Setting: the study was applied at the pediatric department at the Oncology Institute at Sohag City and Sohag University Hospital. Tools: Two tools were used (1) demographic characteristics tool and (2) Rhodes Index of Nausea and Vomiting Likert scale. Results: Regarding items of Rhodes index of nausea &vomiting scale, it was found that all pediatric oncology patients (100%) in the video games group had no nausea compared to slightly more than three quarters in the control group. Conclusion: Pediatric oncology patients undergoing chemotherapy who received video games had experienced lower intensity of nausea and vomiting compared to children in the control group. Recommendations: Pediatric nurses should involve video game in routine care among pediatric oncology patients undergoing chemotherapy to reduce and manage side effects of chemotherapy.

Stress-Reducing Effects of Playing a Casual Video Game among Undergraduate Students

ObjectiveTo assess the potential effectiveness of playing a simple, casual video game (Flower) in reducing stress relative to participating in a mindfulness-meditation session (body scan) among undergraduate students. Eighty undergraduate student participants (mean age = 19.46 years, SD = 1.43; gender: 48 females, 29 males, 3 preferred not to answer) were assigned to one of two groups in alternating order: one who played Flower and the comparison group who participated in a body scan, each lasting 20 min. Psychological and physiological stress measurements were made before and after each intervention. Self-perceived psychological stress was measured using a modified version of the nine-item Psychological Stress Measure (PSM-9), and physiological stress (heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure) was measured using an electronic blood-pressure cuff. The results were analyzed with a 2 (measurement: pre, post) × 2 (intervention: video game, mindfulness-meditation) mixed model analysis of variance (ANOVA) for each of the four outcome measures. There was a statistically significant reduction (pre- to post-intervention) across all outcome measures. Notably, there was a significant measurement × intervention interaction (p < .001) for the psychological stress measure; participants in the mindfulness-meditation group reported greater stress reduction after the intervention than participants in the video game group. Although these results suggest mindfulness-meditation provides a slight advantage for stress reduction than casual video games, the similarity in reduction across all physiological measures between the two interventions nevertheless suggests casual video games may also be an effective medium. This finding is especially promising given casual video games’ accessibility, ease of use, and popularity among students. These results may inform initiatives by colleges and universities to better support students during peak times of stress and especially during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Combined training of aerobic exercise and 3D video game to improve hippocampal and memory functions in older adults: An RCT trial

AbstractBackgroundWith the proportion of older adults rising, the progressive cognitive decline and dementia have become one of the most serious public health issues worldwide. As a result, there is a pressing need for developing effective non‐pharmaceutical intervention programs to counteract age‐related cognitive decline. Animal models robustly support that aerobic exercise can effectively improve neurogenesis and memory, whereas most of the current findings from human studies are in contrast. We speculated that two reasons may contribute to these inconsistent findings in human research. One is that hippocampal neurogenesis induced by the aerobic exercise is more likely to survive when simultaneously accompanied by cognitive stimulations, particularly when the cognitive goals are challenging. Another is that the beneficial effects from aerobic exercise are specific to hippocampal dependent memory tasks. Therefore, we designed a training program by combining aerobic cycling with 3D video game.MethodWe conducted a randomized controlled trial with healthy older adults randomly assigned to combined aerobic cycling and 3D video game training group (n=22), aerobic cycling group (n=23), 3D video games group (n=25), or control group (n=28). The effects of combined training on neuroplasticity (including plasma brain‐derived neurotrophic growth factor, hippocampal gray matter volume, and hippocampal‐cortical functional connectivity) and cognitive plasticity (focusing on hippocampal‐dependent memory, tested via Mnemonic Similarity Task) were examined compared with all three other groups. The training lasted four months with a frequency of twice per week, 1hour per session.ResultThe combined and video game training groups reported equivalent game experiences and reached similar game levels. The average and maximum heart rates were being monitored to ensure a medium exercise intensity in both combined and cycling groups. In addition self‐reported fatigue levels were equivalent in these two groups. The preliminary behavioral data analysis revealed that combined group performed better on immediate and delayed memory recall. More importantly, there was a larger effect size in pattern separation task in combined group (Cohen’s d =1.12) than in cycling (Cohen’s d =0.49) and video game (Cohen’s d =0.55) groups.ConclusionCombined aerobic exercise ‐ video game training could improve hippocampal‐dependent memory functions, which waits the MRI data analysis to further prove.

Exergaming and Aquatic Exercises Affect Lung Function and Weight Loss in Obese Children.

We investigated the effect of exergames and aquatic exercises on lung function and weight loss in obese children. Sixty-one obese male primary-school children were randomly allocated to video game, aquatic exercise, and control groups. Lung functions and anthropometric variables were measured before and after the intervention and after one month (follow-up). In the video game group, an Xbox Kinect game was played for 60 min during three sessions a week. The aquatic aerobic exercise was performed three times per week and consisted of a warm-up, main exercises, and a cool down phase. For the video game group, there was a significant reduction in body weight between (i) pre- and (ii) post-intervention and follow-up. In the aquatic exercise group, there was a significant reduction in body weight between pre- and post-intervention and between pre-intervention and follow-up. Both exercise groups improved the waist/hip ratio index compared to the control group. Forced vital capacity was significantly improved in the follow-up of the video game group and the aquatic exercise group compared to the control group. A significant improvement was found in forced expiratory volume in the first second at post-intervention and follow-up in the video game and the aquatic exercise groups. Exergames and aquatic exercises improved weight loss and lung function in obese children.

Effects of the Interactive Videogame Nintendo Wii Sports on Upper Limb Motor Function of Individuals with Post-Polio Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Objective: To compare the effects of an upper limb videogame-based training with a training based on similar motor demands on upper limb function, dexterity, functionality, balance, fatigue, and pain in post-polio syndrome (PPS) and to assess the acceptability, feasibility, and safety of the intervention. Materials and Methods: This is a randomized, parallel, single-blind clinical trial. Thirty-nine individuals were randomized into Interactive Videogames Group (IVG, n = 19) and Active Exercises Group (AEG, n = 20). Participants performed two weekly sessions (50 minutes each), totaling 14 sessions with the aim of providing mild to moderate intensity. IVG practiced four Nintendo Wii Sport games (tennis, golf, boxing, and bowling). The AEG performed similar movements required for IVG. Primary outcome: upper limb motor function-Motor Function Measure-32. Secondary outcomes: dexterity-Box and Block test; functionality-Functional Independence Measure; balance-Functional Reach Test, muscle fatigue-Fatigue Severity Scale, upper limb pain-Visual Analogue Scale for pain, acceptability, applicability, and safety. Analysis of group, time, interaction between groups, and time effects was performed through repeated-measures analysis of variance (2 × 3) and Bonferroni post hoc test with alpha of 0.05. Results: Interactive videogames were safe, feasible, and acceptable. Both groups showed similar postintervention improvement on motor function, functionality, balance, pain, and fatigue, with maintenance over the follow-up period. There was an interaction effect between the groups on dexterity and the IVG demonstrated better performance compared with the AEG. Final Considerations: The similar positive clinical effects of the interactive video games on PPS upper limb function and its superior effects on dexterity support its use as a safe and feasible intervention. Particularly when it comes to chronic patients, who require long-term physical therapy, new and stimulating interventions may contribute to the rehabilitation process and improve their engagement in the treatment. Registered on the Brazilian Clinical Trials platform under number RBR-8S2NBF.

The impact of video games on destination image

ABSTRACT Destination Marketing Organizations use a plethora of media to communicate with potential visitors, including advertisements and product placement in entertainment media. This experimental study compares the impact of playing Far Cry 5, a video game set in Montana, U.S., with printed materials and a movie on destination image and behavioural intentions. Despite their growing appeal and interactive nature, the video game group returned less positive ratings than those in other groups, including the control group. This suggests that tourism marketers should be mindful of the media’s intent and use of a destination’s imagery, especially when it comes to violent content.

Effects of a Kinect-based physical training program on body composition, functional fitness and depression in institutionalized older adults.

To evaluate the effects of a Kinect-based physical activity program on the quality of life, depression, functional fitness and body composition in institutionalized older adults. A total of 50 older adults aged >60 years were selected and randomized to a control and video game group. Body composition was determined by means of anthropometric measurements. Quality of life was assessed using the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire, and depression was classified using the Beck Depression inventory. Functional fitness was assessed using the Arm Curl, Chair Stand, 8-foot up-and-go, sit and reach, and the aerobic endurance test. After 12 weeks of protocol, we observed a significant improvement in all functional fitness parameters. Our findings suggest that a Kinect-based physical activity program seems to positively impact the three domains related to quality of life and directly associated with age (physical, social and psychological domains), and to promote a more active lifestyle in institutions housing older individuals. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; ••: ••-••.

Rehabilitation of the upper arm early after stroke: Video games versus conventional rehabilitation. A randomized controlled trial.

Few rehabilitation methods have proven their efficacy in increasing sensori-motor recovery and/or function of the upper limb (UL) after stroke. Video games (VGs) are promising tools in this indication. To compare UL rehabilitation by using VGs and conventional rehabilitation (CR) in patients with sub-acute stroke. Single-blind, multicentric trial, with central randomization and stratification by center. Physical and rehabilitation medicine departments of 2 university hospitals. Adults within 3 months after a first vascular cerebral accident, with UL Fugl Meyer Score (UL-FMS)<30/66 and without major cognitive impairment. A 45-min additional session of conventional occupational therapy (OT) or a VG-based OT session as add-on therapy to usual rehabilitation programs, 5 days/week for 6 weeks. Primary outcome: UL-FMS. Secondary outcome: Box and Block Test (BBT), Wolf Motor Function test (WMFT), Motor Activity Log (MAL), Barthel Index and quality of life (SF-36). We included 51 patients (20 women) at a mean (SD) of 27.2 (19.4) days post-stroke (mean age 58 years [range 24-83]), 26 in the CR group and 25 in the VG group (23 in each group at 6-month follow-up). The mean duration of the additional rehabilitation session was similar in both groups: 29.3 (4.3) vs 28.0 (4.4) min in CR and VG groups. Shoulder pain occurred in 4 patients in the VG group versus 7 in the CR group. At day 45, gain in UL-FMS did not significantly differ between the groups (CR mean 17.8 [14.6] vs VG 24.1 [14.8]; P=0.10), whereas gain in BBT was doubled in the VG group (CR 7.4 [12.2] vs VG 15.7 [16.3]; P=0.02). At 6-month follow-up, the study was inconclusive about between-group differences in UL-FMS, BBT and other criteria. Post-hoc analysis showed that gains in UL-FMS or BBT were significantly higher in the VG than CR group for patients included within 30 days post-stroke. In general, we cannot conclude that video gaming and conventional OT led to different long-term sensorimotor recovery of the UL after sub-acute stroke. However, when applied within the first month after stroke, video gaming was more efficient than conventional rehabilitation on both sensorimotor recovery and gross grasping function. ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01554449).

EFFECTIVENESS OF DIFFERENT INTERGENERATIONAL LEARNING PROGRAMS FOR ELDERS WITH MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT

The purposes of this study was to investigate the efficacy of interpersonal relationships, cognition, instrumental activities of daily living, depression for elderly with cognitive impairment through intervention using the intergenerational somatosensory video game and company. The experimental design was used for this study. Eighty-nine elders with mild cognitive impairement and 180 adolescents were from nine junior and senior high school were recruited in this study. Eight day care centers were randomly assigned to the experimental group I (EGI) (5-week intergenerational somatosensory video game), the experimental group II (EGII) (8-week intergenerational somatosensory video game), the experimental group III (EGIII) (5-week intergenerational company), the experimental group IV (EGIV) (8-week intergenerational company) and control group for eight weeks of routine activities. Subjects were interviewed using structured instruments, including the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), Token test, and Geriatric Depression Scale. Obtained data was analyzed using the Generalized Estimate Equation (GEE). The results revealed that there was no significant difference of eldsers’ characteristics among five groups. After intervention, instrumental activities of daily living scores in 8-week intergenerational somatosensory video game (EGII) and 8-week intergenerational company groups (EGIV) were significantly better than the control group. Token test score in 8-week intergenerational company (EGIV) were significant higher than that in the control group; while depression in 5-week intergenerational company (EGIII) was significantly lower thatn that in the control group. Based on the research findings, to arrange intergenerational action video game and intergenerational company to enhance elders’ attention, instrumental activities of daily living and decrease depression.

Cost-effectiveness of a video game versus live simulation for disaster training

IntroductionDisaster triage training for emergency medical service (EMS) providers is unstandardised. We hypothesised that disaster triage training with the paediatric disaster triage (PDT) video game ‘60 s to Survival’ would...

A digital movement in the world of inactive children: favourable outcomes of playing active video games in a pilot randomized trial.

This parallel randomized controlled trial was aimed to evaluate whether parameters as physical fitness, reaction times, self-perception and enjoyment levels, as well as parental and children perspectives, were affected by active video games in inactive and technologically preoccupied children. Data were collected in a laboratory setting from four randomly selected urban public schools. All 1300 children in grades 3-6 were surveyed for the study. Among the 918 responders, 106 children were determined to be inactive and preoccupied with technology. Children in 3 schools (n = 53) allocated to active video game and in one school (n = 53) allocated to control group were compared by univariate covariance analyses for primary outcomes such as weight, body mass index and fat ratios at the end of 12weeks. Active video game group significantly showed favourable responses for weight, body mass index and corresponding z scores as well as reaction times and self-perception controlling for age and baseline scores. In addition, enjoyment of the children in the game group by qualitative analysis was high indicating a motivational aspect for the continuation of the games. Diverse contributions of games to physical, social, intellectual and personal development were revealed.Conclusion: Active video games by promoting enjoyment levels and physical activity, as well as contributing to agility, alertness, socializing, and striving, led to a reduction in weight gain. They may be used as beneficial tools diverting children from inactivity and subsequent obesity.Trial registration: This study called AVGAME is registered with the number NCT03720938 in Clinicaltrials.gov . The trial protocol can also be retrieved from the archives of Abant Izzet Baysal University. What is Known: • Nowadays, children prefer sedentary video games that are known to induce weight gain and obesity-related comorbidities. • Active video games were shown to decrease weight in overweight and obese children. What is New: • Active video games decrease weight increment and reaction times, thus could be used to prevent obesity in inactive non-obese children. • Active video games raise self-esteem, induce enjoyment, improve the personal and intellectual development of children in addition to socializing and is a safe alternative to indoor sedentary video games.

Journal Digest: Video Games; 3D Mapping; Suicide; Cannabis; Sexting; Sleep Apnea

Journal Digest: Video Games; 3D Mapping; Suicide; Cannabis; Sexting; Sleep Apnea

Teaching Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation to Young Children (

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is a major public health concern. Research has shown that initiation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) by lay bystanders increases survival rates. Evidence also shows that CPR training, delivered in various ways, is successful in a wide age range of children. This study was conducted to assess if children (average age of 12) were able to perform high quality chest compressions and whether this can be achieved by supplementing CPR instructional video with other methods to time delivery of compressions. A total of 160 study subjects were divided into 3 groups. The CPR instructional video was played for all 3 groups. One group (n = 53) was instructed to time their compressions with a popular music. Another group (n = 56) was assigned to a specially designed video game whereby they practiced how to time chest compressions. The control group (n = 51) consisted of those who only watched the video. Each group was divided in teams of 3 and observed for successful delivery of chest compressions on the little Anne Adult CPR training manikins. The control group performed a mean of 88 compressions per minute (CPM) out of which a mean of 72 clicks were appreciated. The music group performed 104 CPM with 74 clicks. Meanwhile, the video game group performed 102 CPM with 78 clicks. This study demonstrated sixth graders are capable of learning and performing effective hands only bystander CPR and this can and should be taught in schools even as young as the sixth grade level.

The Impact of 3 Different Distraction Techniques on the Pain and Anxiety Levels of Children During Venipuncture

Invasive procedures are important causes of pain and anxiety during hospitalization. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of 3 different distraction methods on the pain and anxiety levels of children during venipuncture. This was a randomized controlled trial conducted with 180 children of 6 to 10 years of age; data were collected in the months of August to November 2016. Participants were randomized in 4 groups; the children in group 1 watched cartoon movies (CM), the children in group 2 played video games (VG), the children in group 3 were distracted by their parents' verbal interactions (PI), whereas no distraction method was used on the children in group 4 (control group). The levels of anxiety and pain perception were evaluated independently based on the feedback from the children, the nurse observer, and the parents. The Children Fear Scale was used to evaluate anxiety levels and the Wong-Baker Pain Scale was used to evaluate the pain levels of the children. The difference between the groups based on both the anxiety levels and pain scores during venipuncture was statistically significant (P<0.05). The lowest level of anxiety and pain perception was reported in the VG group. The scores observed both in the CM group and the PI group were significantly lower than in the control group (P<0.05). The distraction techniques of playing VG, watching CM, and PI appear to be effective in reducing anxiety and pain perception in children during the procedure of venipuncture. The most effective method was playing VG.