Mobile Gaming Exposure and Cognitive Performance in Children with Joint Hypermobility: A Cross-Sectional Correlational Study

Abstract Background: The availability of smartphones has substantially increased mobile gaming among children, raising concerns about its potential negative effects on cognitive abilities, particularly working memory, which is essential for learning and academic performance. Generalized joint hypermobility (GJH) is common during childhood and has been associated with altered motor abilities, attention, and fatigue-related symptoms that may influence cognitive performance. However, limited research has examined the relationship between mobile gaming and working memory in children with joint hypermobility. This study aimed to examine the relationship between mobile gaming exposure to gaming behavior severity, gaming duration, and working memory in school-aged children with GJH. Materials and Method: A cross-sectional correlational study was conducted in 50 school-aged children aged 6–14 years. Participants were screened for GJH using the Beighton Score. Mobile gaming behavior was assessed using the Questionnaire of Digital Game Playing, and average daily gaming duration was calculated from reported weekday and weekend gaming. Working memory was evaluated using the Working Memory Rating Scale (WMRS)—greater score relates to greater deficiency. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to examine the relationships between gaming exposure and working memory scores and gaming duration. Results: Fifty participants were included in the study. A strong positive correlation was observed between the total gaming score and WMRS total score ( r = 0.862, P < 0 .001). Similarly, the average daily gaming duration was strongly and positively correlated with the WMRS total score ( r = 0.869, P < 0 .001). Greater gaming behavior severity and longer gaming duration were therefore associated with greater working memory difficulties. Conclusion: Greater mobile gaming exposure was significantly associated with deficiencies in working memory among school-aged children with GJH. These findings highlight the importance of monitoring gaming duration and advising balanced digital habits to support cognitive functioning in this population.