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Advanced Neurology Transforming ADHD through interactive gaming

distracted by the simulations and small movements in
the game, explaining the deviation of the user’s focus
from the primary task to such distractions.
• Mechanism – This game includes two ducks, which
appear at different times. For example, at the start
of the game, a yellow duck appears, but after 15 s, a
white duck appears. This mechanism is designed to
distract the user from counting the balloons popped,
hindering him/her from recalling such information.
• Outcome – If the user correctly names the color of
the duck, then it indicates that he/she gazed on the
alternative simulations in the scene. If the user fails to
name the color of the duck, then it indicates that his/
her brain was solely focused on the given task.
3.2. Additional results

In this game, once the user’s performance is recorded, the
results (including the potential signs and symptoms of ADHD)
are provided to him/her. Specifically, by observing gameplay
Figure 11. Example of the responses to Question 2. Image created by the behavior and performance, the user can receive valuable
authors.
information about his/her attentional control, impulsivity,
sensory processing, and executive functioning, all of which
which is another common ADHD symptom. In this are relevant to ADHD diagnosis and management. However,
regard, asking the user to recall the VR game scene assesses it is important to note that Mind Marvel does not officially
his/her awareness of the virtual surroundings. Here, the diagnose ADHD, but mainly functions as a screening tool.
user is given three options and asked to select the correct In this case, this tool employs a brief questionnaire that
answer. It is important to note that Question 2 can only only comprises three questions, with a limited range of
be answered after answering Question 1. Moreover, the responses to analyze the user’s performance. This game also
answer provided by the user can determine the presence of analyzes these responses and generates one of two possible
ADHD, depending on his/her answer in Question 1. results. Table 3 illustrates the relationship between the user’s
• Outcome – If the user correctly answers the number of responses and the corresponding results.
balloons popped as well as the number of animals in the
game, then it indicates that his/her brain successfully 4. Discussion
focused on the assigned task and remained aware of
the surroundings. In addition, the user demonstrates This study examined the effectiveness of the Mind Marvel
commendable attentional prowess, exhibiting strong focus platform, as a game-based approach toward neurological
and an impressive capacity to recall past information. disorders (e.g., ADHD) that integrates a webpage design with
However, if the user correctly answers the number of VR technology. The development of this platform was driven
balloons popped, but cannot recall the number of animals by the need to identify and address potential ADHD symptoms
in the game, then it indicates that his/her brain was solely exhibited by the user. The completed application encompasses
focused on the given task and avoided the urge to notice three primary aspects of an ADHD-based game: task-oriented
other elements in the game. Meanwhile, if the user fails focus, educational attainment, and the identification of
13
to complete the task, but correctly identifies the number neurological conditions. Set against a backdrop of dynamic
surroundings featuring vibrant colors, animated characters,
of animals, then it indicates impulsivity, a characteristic and background audio, this game evaluates the user’s attention
often associated with ADHD. In other words, the user’s span, impulsivity, hyperactivity, and concentration, all of
focus shifted from the primary task to the distraction. which are indicators of potential ADHD.
This supports the notion that individuals with ADHD
tend to have difficulty avoiding external distractions, thus The Mind Marvel platform also offers an interactive
affecting their ability to maintain focus on specific tasks. educational webpage on ADHD Awareness, with insights
into understanding ADHD, its signs and symptoms, and
Question 3 – Can you name the color of the first duck that facts about the condition. This webpage is structured in
appeared in the game? an easy-to-understand format, ensuring that the user can
• Objective – This question determines if the user was access information about ADHD with a single click. As for

Volume 3 Issue 4 (2024) 10 doi: 10.36922/an.4073