A descriptive survey of online gaming characteristics and gaming disorder in Ireland.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to carry out the first ever study of gaming characteristics of individuals engaging in online gaming in Ireland and to ascertain whether features of gaming disorder are present in this population. METHODS: An online survey (comprising 21 questions - 3 demographic questions and 18 questions related to gaming and gaming disorder) was distributed on numerous Irish online gaming forums and Irish online gaming communities. Participants were self-selected and invited to compete the online survey containing questions related to gaming behaviours (age of onset, hours played on weekdays/weekends, type of device used), mobile gaming, motives for online gaming, use of microtransactions, engagement in esports, and a screening tool for the presence of gaming disorder. RESULTS: A total of 166 participants engaged in the online survey. Among this study population of regular gamers in Ireland, 2.4% of the study population were classified as having gaming disorder, with up to 5.4% showing some evidence of disordered gaming. The main motivation for online gaming in the non-disordered gaming group was recreation (13.3, sd = 2.7) but only the fourth main motivation in the disordered gaming group behind competition (16.3, sd = 3.7), escape (16.2, sd = 4.3), and coping (15.1, sd = 3.7). Increased hours of gameplay on weekdays and weekends were noted in the disordered gaming group compared to non-disordered gamers. CONCLUSIONS: A small percentage of gamers in Ireland demonstrate disordered gaming characteristics and gaming disorder, consistent with data from other international studies. Epidemiological studies are required in Ireland to enhance our knowledge of this disorder.

Online gaming and gaming disorder: more than just a trivial pursuit.

Gaming disorder is set to be included in the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems alongside other behavioural addictions (gambling disorder) and substance-related addictions. Given the popularity of online gaming, this is set to become an increasingly common presentation to general mental health professionals, addiction specialists, and general practitioners. This article briefly examines online gaming and describes the characteristics of gaming disorder. Some features of online gaming that have addictive potential and similarities to other addictive behaviours such as gambling disorder are discussed. Finally, the article examines treatment options available for gaming disorder and treatment going forward from an Irish perspective.

A descriptive pilot survey of behavioural addictions in an adolescent secondary school population in Ireland.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the levels of possible internet addiction, gaming addiction, gambling addiction and associated mental health difficulties in a secondary school population in Ireland. METHODS: An online survey containing questions related to internet addiction, gaming addiction, gambling addiction and associated mental health difficulties was administered to secondary school adolescents in Ireland. Participants were self-selecting and answered questions on the characteristics of each topic and screening questionnaires for addiction to each behaviour, as well as their respective effects on mental health. RESULTS: A total of 234 children participated in the survey (156 males; aged 12-18 years; average age of 14.2 years; S.D. 1.60). Internet addiction as assessed using the Chen Internet Addiction Scale was present for between 11.5% and 22.6% and levels of gaming addiction as assessed using by the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Form was present for between 0.5% and 1.6%. Weak positive correlations were found between time spent on the internet and time spent gaming with internet addiction and gaming addiction, respectively. There were weak positive correlations between higher internet addiction scores, higher gaming addiction scores, and increased depression and anxiety scores. Using the South Oaks Gambling Screen-Revised for Adolescents, two participants were classed as 'at-risk' for gambling addiction and one participant was classed as a problem gambler. CONCLUSIONS: The present study examined behavioural addictions and their effects on mental health on a self-selecting sample of schoolchildren at two schools in Ireland. A low number were identified as being at risk or problem gamblers.

Effect of low recumbent angle on cycling performance, fatigue, and V˙O(2) kinetics.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine the effect of the degree of inclination from upright to supine postures on cycling performance, fatigue, and oxygen uptake (V˙O(2)) kinetics. METHODS: In experiment 1, 10 subjects performed graded and fatigue (exhaustive constant-load heavy exercise with 10 s all-out efforts interspersed every minute) tests at four cycling postures: upright, 30° recumbent (R), 15° R, and supine. In experiment 2, nine different subjects performed two bouts of constant-load heavy exercise in the same four cycling postures. Bout 1 was brought to failure, and bout 2 was limited to 6 min, so that the breath-by-breath V˙O(2) data from the first 6 min of each bout were averaged and curve fit. RESULTS: The time sustained during the graded test was significantly shorter in the supine compared with the other three postures and also shorter in the 15° R compared with the upright. The rate of fatigue was higher in the supine compared with the other three postures, and the normalized EMG activities of three leg muscles at end exercise were larger in the supine (and in some cases 15° R) compared with upright posture. The time sustained (min) during high-intensity constant-load cycling was significantly longer during upright (12.8 ± 5.3) and 30° R (14.2 ± 6.1) compared with 15° R (8.5 ± 1.7) and supine (6.8 ± 2.0) postures, but the amplitudes of the slow component of the V˙O(2) response (L·min) were larger during 15° R (0.57 ± 0.10) and supine (0.61 ± 0.15) compared with 30° R (0.39 ± 0.12) and also larger in the supine than upright (0.43 ± 0.13) postures. Inert gas rebreathing analysis revealed similar cardiac output responses at 60 s into the exercise among postures. CONCLUSION: Lowering the recumbent angle to 15° resulted in shorter performance, larger fatigue, and altered V˙O(2) kinetics.