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Background Serious games (SG) have emerged as promising tools for cognitive training and therapeutic interventions, especially for enhancing executive functions. These games have demonstrated the potential to support individuals with diverse health conditions, including neurodevelopmental and cognitive disorders, through engaging and interactive experiences. However, a comprehensive understanding of the effectiveness of SG in enhancing executive functions is needed. Objective This systematic review aims to assess the impact of serious games on executive functions (EF), focusing on attention, working memory, cognitive flexibility, and inhibitory control. In addition, it explores the integration of SG into educational and therapeutic settings for individuals with cognitive and neurodevelopmental conditions. Only open access articles published from 2019 to the search date were included to capture the most recent advancements in the field. Methods A comprehensive search was conducted on June 20, 2024, across Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed databases. Due to limited direct results linking SG and neurodiversity, separate searches were performed to analyze the relationship between SG and EF, as well as SG and neurodiverse populations. Two independent reviewers assessed the quality and risk of bias of the included studies using the Risk of Bias 2 tool for randomized studies and the Risk of Bias in Non-Randomized Studies of Interventions tool for nonrandomized studies. Results The review identified 16 studies that met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 15 addressed the use of SG for improving EF in neurodiverse populations, such as children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and down syndrome. These studies demonstrated significant improvements in various EF domains, including attention, working memory, and cognitive flexibility. However, there was notable heterogeneity in sample sizes, participant ages, and game types. Three studies specifically focused on individuals with down syndrome, showing promising results in improving cognitive functions. Conclusions SG hold considerable potential as therapeutic tools for enhancing EF across neurodiverse populations. They have shown positive effects in improving cognitive skills and promoting inclusion in both educational and therapeutic settings. However, further research is required to optimize game design, assess long-term outcomes, and address the variability in study quality. The exclusive inclusion of open access studies may have limited the scope of the review, and future research should incorporate a broader range of studies to provide a more comprehensive understanding of SG’s impact on neurodiversity. Trial Registration PROSPERO CRD42024563231; https://tinyurl.com/ycxdymyb
Background Serious games (SG) have emerged as promising tools for cognitive training and therapeutic interventions, especially for enhancing executive functions. These games have demonstrated the potential to support individuals with diverse health conditions, including neurodevelopmental and cognitive disorders, through engaging and interactive experiences. However, a comprehensive understanding of the effectiveness of SG in enhancing executive functions is needed. Objective This systematic review aims to assess the impact of serious games on executive functions (EF), focusing on attention, working memory, cognitive flexibility, and inhibitory control. In addition, it explores the integration of SG into educational and therapeutic settings for individuals with cognitive and neurodevelopmental conditions. Only open access articles published from 2019 to the search date were included to capture the most recent advancements in the field. Methods A comprehensive search was conducted on June 20, 2024, across Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed databases. Due to limited direct results linking SG and neurodiversity, separate searches were performed to analyze the relationship between SG and EF, as well as SG and neurodiverse populations. Two independent reviewers assessed the quality and risk of bias of the included studies using the Risk of Bias 2 tool for randomized studies and the Risk of Bias in Non-Randomized Studies of Interventions tool for nonrandomized studies. Results The review identified 16 studies that met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 15 addressed the use of SG for improving EF in neurodiverse populations, such as children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and down syndrome. These studies demonstrated significant improvements in various EF domains, including attention, working memory, and cognitive flexibility. However, there was notable heterogeneity in sample sizes, participant ages, and game types. Three studies specifically focused on individuals with down syndrome, showing promising results in improving cognitive functions. Conclusions SG hold considerable potential as therapeutic tools for enhancing EF across neurodiverse populations. They have shown positive effects in improving cognitive skills and promoting inclusion in both educational and therapeutic settings. However, further research is required to optimize game design, assess long-term outcomes, and address the variability in study quality. The exclusive inclusion of open access studies may have limited the scope of the review, and future research should incorporate a broader range of studies to provide a more comprehensive understanding of SG’s impact on neurodiversity. Trial Registration PROSPERO CRD42024563231; https://tinyurl.com/ycxdymyb
BACKGROUND Neurodiversity encompasses diverse cognitive variations, including conditions like Down syndrome, affecting cognitive and emotional development. Individuals within the neurodiverse spectrum may encounter challenges related to executive functions, impacting daily activities and social participation. This review recognizes Down syndrome within the broader context of neurodiversity, exploring the intersection of executive functions and serious games as interventions for cognitive development. OBJECTIVE The primary goal of this review is to analyze three interconnected themes: neurodiversity, executive functions, and serious games. While considering the positive impact of serious games on children with Down syndrome, the focus extends on exploring broader applications within neurodiversity. METHODS As of January 20, 2024, a thorough search was conducted on Scopus and WoS, covering serious games, executive functions, and neurodiversity with an emphasis on Down syndrome. Due to limited results, separate equations were used to explore the relationship between serious games and Down syndrome, as well as serious games and executive functions. Two independent reviewers evaluated retrieved studies, highlighting specific game applications in the neurodiverse context. RESULTS Out of 18 articles, three focused on serious games and Down syndrome, while 15 addressed serious games in the context of executive functions within neurodiversity. The studies collectively emphasized serious games' effectiveness in enhancing cognitive development and overall quality of life for individuals within the neurodiverse spectrum. CONCLUSIONS The synthesis of findings suggests that serious games hold potential to improve cognitive abilities and promote inclusion in educational settings for individuals with diverse cognitive profiles. Beyond Down syndrome, serious games, along with web applications, robotics, and virtual reality, emerge as promising therapeutic tools. Game design elements and exergaming demonstrate the ability to enhance cognition and skill development. Positive effects have been observed not only in older adults' attention, executive functions, and speech processing but also in various neurodiverse populations. However, further research is needed to explore long-term effects, optimize game design, and assess their impact on several aspects of neurodiversity.
O artigo analisa a legislação aplicada aos neurodivergentes, com foco nas dificuldades de atendimento no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). A metodologia da pesquisa incluiu uma revisão bibliográfica em plataformas como PUBMED, SCIELO e LILACS, abrangendo o período de 2019 a 2024. Também foram realizadas consultas a livros acadêmicos e publicações especializadas. Os resultados indicam que as leis em favor dos neurodivergentes estão trazendo mais benefícios, especialmente para pacientes com Transtorno do Espectro Autista (TEA). No entanto, apesar das melhorias alcançadas, ainda existem obstáculos significativos que dificultam o acesso a tratamentos especializados oferecidos pelo SUS. A alta demanda por serviços de saúde mental e as longas filas de espera criam uma barreira real para muitos pacientes que necessitam de atendimento urgente e eficaz. A adequação do atendimento é fundamental para garantir a efetividade dos tratamentos e a qualidade de vida dos neurodivergentes. O artigo destaca a importância da luta de pais e mães na conquista de direitos e benefícios para esses indivíduos. Entre as conquistas estão propostas como descontos em passagens aéreas, isenção de impostos e a redução na carga horária de trabalho para servidores públicos que têm filhos com deficiência. Tais medidas representam um avanço significativo, mas a implementação ainda enfrenta desafios. Além disso, algumas leis recentes, como a Lei Romeo Mion, têm contribuído para a inclusão social e priorização no atendimento de pessoas com Transtorno do Espectro Autista, promovendo uma maior conscientização e um suporte mais efetivo para os neurodivergentes e suas famílias.
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