Tampa, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/26/2018 -- Researchers at Royal Perth Hospital in Australia have found that children as young as 12 have suffered deep vein thrombosis (DVT) following extended periods of playing video games.

Children can become so completely absorbed in sedentary activities such as video games that they remain nearly motionless for extended periods of time. This leads to the dangerous blood clots, according to the recent study.

"Adults need to take heed of what this study means for them," said Greg Grambor.

Grambor is the founder of Vascular PRN, a national distributor of pneumatic compression devices for the prevention of DVT.

"It's practically unheard of for children this young to experience deep vein thrombosis," Grambor went on. "But modern technology captivates them and keeps them motionless. It's not natural."

The take-home message for grown-ups, according to Grambor, is that the risks across all age groups are underestimated.

"It's not just kids, and it's not just video games. Many adults are sedentary at computers, at desks, in airplanes and in cars in the course of doing our jobs. And the elderly and retired experience declining mobility in their later years. No one is immune to DVT risk factors," Grambor said.

Most child DVT cases documented in the study involved clots in the legs, such as a 12-year-old boy who played games for four hours in a kneeling position. Another boy, however, experienced a clot in his arm after several hours of gaming while lying on his back.

The DVT was associated not only with stillness, but also dehydration. Researchers said the children ignored their thirst because they were so absorbed.

Controlling DVT risk is not a matter of vigorous exercise or high levels of activity, Grambor explained.

"Even athletes get blood clots. Avoiding DVT is about awareness and specific prevention. Simply standing up for a few minutes can cut risks dramatically. Avoid becoming entranced by the screens you look at — get up and take a break."