Perceived Stress and Cfognition Function Quantification in a Scary Video Game: An Electroencephalogram Features and Biochemical Measures

Abstract

Introduction: Video games affect the stress system and cognitive abilities in different ways. Here, we evaluated electrophysiological and biochemical indicators of stress and assessed their effects on cognition and behavioral indexes after playing a scary video game. Methods: Thirty volunteers were recruited into two groups as control and experimental. The saliva and blood samples were collected before and after intervention (watching/playing the scary game for control and experimental groups respectively). To measure cortisol and salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) levels, oxytocin (OT), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plasma levels, dedicated ELISA kits were used. EEG recording was done before and after interventions for electroencephalogram (EEG)-based emotion and stress recognition. Then, the feature extraction (for mental stress, arousal, and valence) was done. Matrix laboratory (MATLAB) software used for processing EEG acquired data. The repeated measures were applied to determine the intragroup significance level of difference. Results: Scary gameplay increases mental stress (P<0.001) and arousal (P<0.001) features and decreases the valence (P<0.001) one. The salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase levels were significantly higher after the gameplay (P<0.001 for both). OT and BDNF plasma levels decreased after playing the scary game (P<0.05 for both). Conclusion: We conclude that perceived stress considerably elevates among players of scary video games, which adversely affects the emotional and cognitive capabilities, possibly via the strength of synaptic connections, and dendritic thorn construction of the brain neurons among players.

A Game-based Psychotherapy Intervention Model for Memory Disorder: Model Validation Using EEG Neurofeedback Data

“…From a neurological perspective, it is evident that positive logical stress plays a significant role in enhancing the cognitive capacity of individuals (Aliyari et al, 2022). In this regard, engagement in puzzle game activities elicits activation of the prefrontal cortex, a brain region associated with cognitive processes such as reasoning, attention, and decision-making.…”

“…Consequently, this cognitive stimulation contributes to enhancements in intelligence, learning aptitude, and decisionmaking capabilities. Scientific evidence suggests that puzzle games, which fall under the category of intellectual games that stimulate the brain and improve cognitive performance, have been found to decrease the activity of the stress-fear system and the levels of cortisol and alpha-amylase (Szubert & Jaśkowski, 2014, Aliyari et al, 2022 due to the cognitive patterns exhibited by players behaviour.…”

Biomarkers of Immersion in Virtual Reality Based on Features Extracted from the EEG Signals: A Machine Learning Approach

“…In the literature, EEG-based machine learning and other classification approaches have been used in various paradigms to extract insightful meaning from different mathematical features of the signals. Kami ńska et al [27] and Aliyari et al [28] were able to classify different levels of stress imposed on the users in the virtual environment. Deep learning has been used to extract information from EEG for stroke patients performing a real-time rehabilitation experiment [29].…”