Progressive Aerobic Training Reduces Internet Gaming Disorder Severity and Alters Default Mode Network Topology

A randomized controlled trial of 72 individuals with internet gaming disorder found that progressive aerobic training (PAT) over one month significantly reduced gaming severity, craving, and DSM-5 symptom scores compared to free training controls. Neuroimaging analysis revealed PAT promoted increased cross-network integration in the default mode network, with changes in network connectivity correlating with symptom improvement.