Esports medicine, also known as esports healthcare or esports performance medicine, is a specialized field of healthcare that focuses on the health and well-being of esports players. It encompasses a range of medical and health-related practices aimed at addressing the unique health challenges faced by esports athletes, optimizing their performance, and promoting their overall health and well-being. Esports medicine combines various disciplines, including sports medicine, occupational health, mental health, nutrition, and ergonomics, to provide comprehensive care to esports players and support their physical, mental, and emotional health needs.

Esports, defined as organized competitive digital gaming, has gained immense popularity with millions of viewers and billions of dollars in estimated profit. Despite being recognized as a legitimate career option and even considered as a sport by the International Olympic Committee, there is limited understanding of the health issues faced by esports players. The sedentary nature of esports, with long hours of screen time, presents unique challenges to player health. To address this gap in knowledge, a mixed-methods approach was used in this research study, which included interviews with professional esports players and a survey, to examine the key health issues affecting physical and psychological wellness from the perspective of players.

The present study conducted semi-structured interviews with ten professional esports players, exploring their daily routines, physical health, psychological wellness, and support needs. The findings revealed that daily routine was an important factor in the players’ well-being, with most players following a consistent routine centered around improving and progressing as a professional in esports. However, there were concerns related to inadequate exercise, poor nutrition, irregular sleep schedules, and long hours of practice. Physical health issues, such as musculoskeletal pain and eye strain, were also reported, along with psychological strains, such as stress, anxiety, and burnout. Participants highlighted the importance of support, both from their team and the esports community, in addressing these health issues.

The study also highlighted the challenges faced by female esports players, including the additional stress of having to constantly prove themselves and their legitimacy in a field with fewer female participants. The lack of support from teams and organizations, both physically and emotionally, was also identified as a concern, with family and friends being the main source of support for players. In response to the findings, a theoretical health model was developed, which emphasizes the importance of psychological wellness and support in esports.

In addition to the interviews, a survey was conducted to further explore the psychological and physical health issues reported by esports players. The survey revealed that mental health, including depression and burnout, was identified as the most pressing health concern by a significant number of participants. Other major concerns mentioned by players included obesity and nutrition, exercise, and sleep. The survey also showed that participants practiced for an average of 5.03 hours per day, slept for an average of 7.11 hours per night, and exercised for an average of 1.53 hours per day. Eye fatigue was the most common physical pain reported, followed by wrist pain, back pain, and general fatigue. Participants scored in the middle range of positive well-being and moderate to high perceived stress levels. Self-inflicted pressure was reported as the highest source of overall stress, while family, friends, self, coaches, and teammates were identified as sources of support.

Clinical Takeaways:

The findings of this esports medicine research study have important implications for health and performance professionals in the esports industry. Some key clinical takeaways include:

• Addressing Mental Health: Mental health emerged as a significant concern among esports players, with depression, burnout, and perceived stress levels being reported as major issues. Health and performance professionals should prioritize mental health screening, intervention, and support for esports players. This may include providing access to mental health resources, developing strategies for managing stress and burnout, and creating a supportive environment that encourages open communication about mental health concerns.
• Promoting Healthy Daily Routines: Daily routines were identified as an important factor in player well-being, with concerns related to inadequate exercise, poor nutrition, irregular sleep schedules, and long hours of practice. Health and performance professionals should emphasize the importance of maintaining healthy daily routines, including regular exercise, balanced nutrition, sufficient sleep, and breaks from prolonged screen time. This may involve creating customized training regimens that prioritize physical health and well-being alongside gameplay skills.
• Enhancing Support Systems: The study highlighted the need for robust support systems for esports players, both from their teams and the broader esports community. Health and performance professionals should work with teams and organizations to develop supportive environments that prioritize player health and well-being. This may include implementing strategies such as regular check-ins with players to assess their physical and psychological health, providing access to healthcare professionals, nutritionists, and sports psychologists, and creating policies that promote work-life balance and adequate rest periods. It is also important to address the unique challenges faced by female esports players, including the need for gender-inclusive support systems and addressing issues related to gender bias and discrimination.
• Educating Players on Ergonomics and Injury Prevention: With the sedentary nature of esports, players are at risk of developing musculoskeletal issues, eye strain, and other health concerns. Health and performance professionals should educate players on proper ergonomics, including posture, monitor height, and keyboard and mouse placement, to prevent injuries. Regular breaks, eye exercises, and stretching routines should also be incorporated into players’ practice schedules to reduce the risk of physical health issues.
• Promoting a Positive Team Culture: Team dynamics and culture play a crucial role in the well-being of esports players. Health and performance professionals should work with teams to promote a positive team culture that prioritizes mutual support, communication, and camaraderie among players. This may include team-building exercises, conflict resolution strategies, and promoting a healthy work-life balance to reduce stress and burnout.
• Encouraging Player Autonomy and Self-Care: Players should be encouraged to take ownership of their own health and well-being by practicing self-care and prioritizing their physical and mental health. Health and performance professionals should provide education and resources to empower players to make informed decisions about their health, including setting boundaries, managing their practice schedules, and seeking help when needed.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, esports players face unique health challenges due to the sedentary nature of the sport, long hours of screen time, and high levels of competition. The findings of this research study highlight the importance of prioritizing player health and well-being in the esports industry. Health and performance professionals play a critical role in addressing these health issues by promoting healthy daily routines, addressing mental health concerns, enhancing support systems, educating players on ergonomics and injury prevention, promoting a positive team culture, and encouraging player autonomy and self-care. By prioritizing player health and well-being, the esports industry can create a sustainable and healthy environment for professional players to thrive in their careers.

Source: Madden, Daniel & Harteveld, Casper. (2021). “Constant Pressure of Having to Perform”: Exploring Player Health Concerns in Esports. 1-14. 10.1145/3411764.3445733.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/351418340_Constant_Pressure_of_Having_to_Perform_Exploring_Player_Health_Concerns_in_Esports

EHPI