Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
Pre-post study demonstrates improved cognition and elevated BDNF in smartphone-addicted young adults, indicating targeted physical-mental exercises mitigate digital overuse effects.
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.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Dharwadkar et al. (2026) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 10 related papers. Consider them for comparative context: