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Document Type

Abstract

Publication Date

1-14-2026

Abstract

Adolescent gaming disorder has become a critical public health issue, driven by its association with reduced physical activity and increased risks of chronic diseases. WHO identifies physical inactivity as the fourth leading global risk factor for mortality. To address this challenge, research highlights the effectiveness of exercise interventions, which work by modulating reward systems, enhancing neuroendocrine adaptability, improving self-efficacy, social skills, and time management. These interventions replace virtual stimuli from gaming with real-world physical engagement, fostering healthier lifestyles. Physical literacy, which emphasizes cultural and holistic engagement with physical activity, extends beyond traditional mechanical exercises and underscores the importance of addressing gaming disorder through movement and health promotion. Method: This study conducted a systematic review using the keywords "gaming disorder," "exercise intervention," and "adolescents," and integrated physical literacy theory to develop a three-tiered intervention framework targeting gaming disorder, which provide theoretical support for exercise interventions in individuals with gaming disorder Firstly, enhancing motor skills enables individuals to build physical confidence, thereby disrupting the addictive psychological cycle of “self-worth” being dominated by the virtual world. Secondly, by harnessing the natural release of dopamine and endorphins during physical activity to substitute for the instant gratification derived from gaming, this mechanism effectively alleviates addiction-related negative emotional states such as anxiety and depression. Thirdly, diverse physical activity experiences involving team collaboration and goal-setting reshape individuals' sense of belonging in real-world social interactions, thus reducing excessive dependence on virtual socialization. Research indicates that physical literacy theory provides an innovative approach to intervening in gaming disorder. Specifically, by developing individuals' physical literacy to block the physiological and psychological triggers of addiction while concurrently establishing foundational capacities for healthy lifestyles, this approach enables adolescents to attain sustainable physical-mental fulfillment and developmental motivation in the real world. Physical literacy theory not only has significant value in promoting individual health but also plays a vital role in addressing gaming disorder. Future research should further integrate multidisciplinary resources spanning education, healthcare, and public policy to translate physical literacy frameworks into broadly applicable health action programs.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.18122/ijpah.5.1.303.boisestate

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