Abstract
ObjectivesThe interest for competitive esports is growing. Little is known regarding musculoskeletal (MSK) pain among esports athletes. We aimed to investigate (1) the prevalence of MSK pain, (2) the association between MSK pain and esports-related training volume and (3) the association between MSK pain and physical activity levels.MethodsAthletes aged 15–35 years who participated in structured esports through a computer-based game were eligible for inclusion. Participant demographics, hours/week spent on esports, self-report MSK pain sites, pain frequency, sleep, care-seeking behaviour and physical activity levels were collected through online questionnaires. The primary outcome was any MSK pain in the body during the previous week.ResultsOf 188 included athletes, 42.6% reported MSK pain. The most common pain site was the back (31.3%). Athletes with MSK pain participated in significantly less esports training compared with athletes without MSK pain (mean difference −5.6 hours/week; 95% CI −10.6 to −0.7, p=0.035). There was no significant difference in physical activity levels between groups (mean difference 81.1 metabolic equivalent of task-minutes/week; 95% CI −1266.9 to 1429.1, p=0.906).ConclusionBack pain is common among esports athletes. Athletes with MSK pain participated in less esports training compared with those without pain, suggesting a potentially negative effect of pain on esports participation.
Highlights
Esports is the fastest growing sport in Denmark, which grows 133% in memberships per year.[1]
Open access were between the ages of 15 and 35.1 athletes were eligible for inclusion if they ► Were 15–35 years of age. ► Participated in structured esports. ► Primarily engaged in esports through a computerbased game
MSK pain in relation to esports training volume and physical activity levels We found a significant association between MSK pain and esports-related training volume
Summary
Esports is the fastest growing sport in Denmark, which grows 133% in memberships per year.[1]. ► Musculoskeletal pain is prevalent in esports with 4 in every 10 athletes reporting pain. ► Athletes with musculoskeletal pain participated in significantly less esports-related training suggesting that musculoskeletal pain may have a negative effect on esports participation. (MSK) pain in esports athletes and subsequently the athlete’s performance. DiFrancisco-Donoghue et al recently performed the first study among a small group of 65 college esports athletes. They discovered that 41% suffered from back or neck pain and 36% reported wrist pain.[5] As MSK pain is associated with frequent use of healthcare services and analgesics, and sleep impairment,[6] these findings warrant further larger studies on MSK pain health status among this emerging sport
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