the effect of brain teaser games on the attention of players based on hormonal and brain signals changes

Introduction: computer games as an interactive media play a significant role in the cognitiveand behavioral health of the players. computer games have either positive or negative effectson cognitive indices among players. they also directly influence the lifestyle and quality of lifeof children, adolescents, and young adults. the present study aimed to evaluate the short-termeffects of the brain teaser game on players.methods: among 45 male volunteers, 40 subjects with an average age of 20 years were recruitedand divided into two groups: the experimental group and the control group. all required testswere conducted before and after the intervention (playing the game) on the experimental group.also, the same tests were performed on the control group, in which the participants were notallowed to play the game. all participants completed a questionnaire comprised demographiccharacteristics and specific information regarding the game (e.g., game style and hours spenton playing the game). the saliva samples were collected to measure levels of cortisol andα-amylase. the salivary α-amylase (saa) and cortisol levels were analyzed using the relevantelisa kits. the cognitive tests were performed using pasat software before and after thegame to assess the perceptual-cognitive abilities of the players. the brain waveforms wereacquired by a 14-channel emotiv brain signal recording device before and after the game. dataanalysis was conducted in r and matlab software.results: pasat test suggested that mental health and sustained attention were significantlyimproved after the intervention. in addition, the saa and salivary cortisol levels weresignificantly higher before the intervention. the results of the brainwave analysis revealed thatstress index and attention were significantly higher before the intervention.conclusion: findings of the present study suggest that brain teaser games positively influencethe central nervous system and activate stress path, leading to changes in brain signals andsubsequently improved cognitive elements, such as attention among players.