Cardiovascular responses to pleasure-based versus task-based screen engagement:  An experimental crossover study.

Dr G Mubarak; Dr Indla   Devasena; Dr V S Bhagya  Lakshmi; Dr Muppana Meher Kumar

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i12.2263

Authors

Dr. G Mubarak Associate Professor, Department of Physiology, Sri Venkateswara Medical College, Tirupathi, Andhra Pradesh, India
Dr. Indla Devasena Associate Professor, Department of Physiology, Sri Venkateswara Medical College, Tirupathi, Andhra Pradesh, India
Dr. V S Bhagya Lakshmi Professor, Department of Physiology, Sri Venkateswara Medical College, Tirupathi, Andhra Pradesh, India
Dr. Muppana Meher Kumar Professor and Head, Department of Physiology, Sri Venkateswara Medical College, Tirupathi, Andhra Pradesh, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i12.2263

Keywords:

screen engagement, cardiovascular responses, heart rate variability, blood pressure, subjective stress

Abstract

Background:
Digital screen use is pervasive, yet different engagement modes, relaxing versus task-focused, may have distinct acute cardiovascular and emotional effects. Comparative within-subject data are limited.

Aim:
To compare cardiovascular and affective responses to pleasure-based versus task-based screen engagement in healthy young adults.

Materials and Methods:
This experimental crossover study was conducted on Sixty-three healthy regular screen users (18–35 years) who completed two randomized conditions in a single 60-minute session: pleasure-based viewing (entertaining videos) and task-based engagement (cognitive tasks). Each protocol included a 10-minute seated baseline, 15-minute first condition, 10-minute washout, and 15-minute second condition. Heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) were recorded continuously, and blood pressure (BP) was measured pre- and post-condition. Subjective stress and enjoyment (VAS 0–10) and affect (PANAS) were assessed after each condition. Paired t-tests were applied, with p < 0.05 considered significant.

Results:
Participants (32 males, 31 females; mean age 24.1 ± 3.9 years; BMI 23.4 ± 3.1 kg/m²) reported a mean daily screen time of 4.8 ± 1.3 hours. HR increased from 74.3 ± 7.8 bpm during pleasure-based viewing to 82.9 ± 8.5 bpm during task-based engagement (p < 0.001). Systolic/diastolic BP rose from 115.6 ± 8.1/74.9 ± 6.4 mmHg to 121.8 ± 8.9/78.7 ± 6.9 mmHg (all p < 0.001). HRV indices showed reduced SDNN and RMSSD and a higher LF/HF ratio during task-based use, indicating sympathetic predominance. VAS stress was higher (5.8 ± 1.7 vs 2.3 ± 1.3) and enjoyment lower (5.1 ± 1.5 vs 7.9 ± 1.1), with decreased positive and increased negative affect (all p < 0.001).

Conclusion:
Task-based screen engagement produces greater cardiovascular activation and a less favourable emotional profile than pleasure-based viewing in healthy young adults.

Recommendations:
Digital work schedules should limit prolonged, uninterrupted task-based screen use, incorporate short breaks, and promote screen hygiene.

Author Biographies

Dr. G Mubarak, Associate Professor, Department of Physiology, Sri Venkateswara Medical College, Tirupathi, Andhra Pradesh, India

MD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physiology at Sri Venkateswara Medical College, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. She is actively engaged in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and contributes to academic planning, mentoring, and departmental responsibilities within this tertiary medical institution. She received her MBBS degree from Government Stanley Medical College, Chennai, and completed her MD in Physiology at PES Medical College, Kuppam. With more than eleven years of dedicated teaching experience, she has nurtured student learning through clear conceptual training and structured academic guidance. Her interests span integrative physiology, innovative teaching methodologies, and capacity-building in medical education.

Dr. Indla Devasena , Associate Professor, Department of Physiology, Sri Venkateswara Medical College, Tirupathi, Andhra Pradesh, India

is currently working as an Associate Professor at SV Medical College, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India. She completed her MBBS from Siddhartha Medical College, Vijayawada, and her MD in Physiology from Kurnool Medical College, Kurnool. With over 16 years of experience, she has successfully guided both undergraduate and postgraduate students. She has published over 10 scientific research papers in various journals in the field of Physiology. ORCID ID:0009-0008-8725-210X

Dr. V S Bhagya Lakshmi , Professor, Department of Physiology, Sri Venkateswara Medical College, Tirupathi, Andhra Pradesh, India

is a Professor in the Department of Physiology at Sri Venkateswara Medical College, Tirupathi, Andhra Pradesh, India. As a senior faculty member, she contributes to academic leadership and departmental activities in physiology.

Dr. Muppana Meher Kumar , Professor and Head, Department of Physiology, Sri Venkateswara Medical College, Tirupathi, Andhra Pradesh, India

MD, is Professor and Head of the Department of Physiology at Sri Venkateswara Medical College, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. In his leadership role, he guides academic planning, departmental administration, and faculty development while ensuring high-quality teaching and training in physiology. He completed both his MBBS and MD in Physiology at Rangaraya Medical College (RMC), Kakinada. His career reflects a sustained commitment to medical education, mentoring, and strengthening physiological sciences within the institution.

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