Mental Demands Research Articles

Understanding the Relationship between Environmental Factors and Mental Health Status among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients: A Scoping Review.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with a wide range of health outcomes, including an increased risk of depression and anxiety and a decline in quality of life. Even though the significance of biopsychological factors in the mental health status of T2DM patients has been discussed in other studies, the role of environmental factors has been lacking. Therefore, this review aimed to identify the relationship between environmental factors and mental health status among T2DM patients. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) extension for scoping reviews was utilized in this study. Using predetermined keywords, a systematic search was conducted on three electronic databases from 2005 to 2023, namely, Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed. Articles written in English, and studies focusing on the research question are among the inclusion criteria. Ten articles were extracted that were relevant to the research question. Poor socioeconomic status, urban areas, the influence of neighborhood, greenness, and air pollution had associations with mental health status among T2DM patients. The possible implications of these factors for mental health demand further research and policy consideration.

Co-designing a Whole-school Solution Focused Programme With Students, Staff, and Parents and Carers to Improve Communication and Wellbeing

Schools are witnessing rapid increases in child mental wellbeing problems and demand cannot be met by specialist mental health services. School staff are not currently trained in approaches to support wellbeing, however upskilling staff in solution focused approaches offers a promising approach to improve communication and wellbeing. Whole-school approaches are recommended and programmes developed through co-design can promote greater acceptance and buy-in from staff and students. Aim: To co-design a whole-school solution focused programme with students, staff, parents and carers at a large, all-through school in England. Methods: the programme was developed using primarily qualitative methods informed by the human-centred design approach. Staff interviews (n=10), student focus groups (n=3), and extensive engagement work over a two-year period explored stakeholder needs. Subsequently, student and staff co-design workshops (n=4) aimed to develop the programme structure, content, and implementation strategy. Results: 101 participants contributed to the co-design process (65 staff; 21 students; 15 parents). Priorities included supporting staff to effectively manage behaviour and improving student-staff communication and overall school climate. A multi-component programme based on solution focused principles was developed, including whole-school activities, plus individual student work. A study testing the prototype is warranted.

Nurses care for everyone: But who cares for a nurse?

ABSTRACT Nurses provide essential services across diverse healthcare settings, yet their own health and well-being are often overlooked. The physical, mental, and emotional demands of their profession can lead to burnout, stress, and various health issues. Ensuring nurses’ well-being is vital not only for their personal health but also for maintaining high-quality patient care. Therefore, this review seeks to explore the challenges nurses face in maintaining their own well-being This review synthesizes data from peer-reviewed journals, reports, and studies from the past decade. PubMed, Google Scholar, and CINAHL were searched using keywords like “nurse well-being,” “burnout,” “mental health in nursing,” and “occupational stress.” Relevant articles focusing on nurses’ well-being, challenges, and interventions were selected The findings of this review indicate that nurses face a range of challenges that adversely affect their well-being, including long working hours, inadequate staffing, exposure to traumatic events, and limited access to mental health resources. The review also highlights the significant impact of these challenges on nurses’ physical health, leading to musculoskeletal issues and chronic fatigue, as well as their mental health, resulting in burnout, anxiety, and depression. Several studies suggest that interventions such as workplace wellness programs, mental health support, flexible scheduling, and organizational changes aimed at reducing workload can positively influence nurse well-being. In Conclusion the well-being of nurses is a critical issue that requires immediate attention from healthcare institutions, policymakers, and society at large. This review demonstrates that while nurses are indispensable in caring for others, their health is often compromised due to the demands of their profession. To ensure the sustainability of healthcare systems, it is essential to implement comprehensive strategies that support the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of nurses.

Cognitive load associated with speaking clearly in reverberant rooms

Communication is a fundamental aspect of human interaction, yet many individuals must speak in less-than-ideal acoustic environments daily. Adapting their speech to ensure intelligibility in these varied settings can impose a significant cognitive burden. Understanding this burden on talkers has significant implications for the design of public spaces and workplace environments, as well as speaker training programs. The aim of this study was to examine how room acoustics and speaking style affect cognitive load through self-rating of mental demand and pupillometry. Nineteen adult native speakers of American English were instructed to read sentences in both casual and clear speech—a technique known to enhance intelligibility—across three levels of reverberation (0.05 s, 1.2 s, and 1.83 s at 500–1000 Hz). Our findings revealed that speaking style consistently affects the cognitive load on talkers more than room acoustics across the tested reverberation range. Specifically, pupillometry data suggested that speaking in clear speech elevates the cognitive load comparably to speaking in a room with long reverberation, challenging the conventional view of clear speech as an ‘easy’ strategy for improving intelligibility. These results underscore the importance of accounting for talkers' cognitive load when optimizing room acoustics and developing speech production training.

The Impact of Visual, Thermal, and Acoustic Environments in Urban Public Spaces in Cold Regions on the Psychological Restoration of the Elderly

Optimizing the visual, thermal, and acoustic environments of urban public spaces in severely cold regions can significantly enhance the psychological restoration of the elderly, addressing the increasing mental health demands in an aging society. Despite its importance, the mechanisms, strategies, and seasonal effects of various environmental variables on psychological restoration remain inadequately studied. This research uses Harbin as a case study, employing field surveys and tests to systematically examine the elderly’s psychological restoration across different seasons. By integrating environmental stimulus variables with a psychological restoration evaluation model, the study investigates the impact of urban public spaces on mental health. The key findings are: (1) The spring environment of urban public spaces has the most significant positive effect on psychological restoration, with an effect size of η2 = 0.360. (2) A significant correlation exists between environmental variables and psychological restoration year-round, with the panoramic green view index in winter showing the highest positive impact (correlation coefficient = 0.301, p < 0.01). (3) The influence of environmental stimulus variables on psychological restoration varies notably across seasons; the acoustic environment in spring contributes most significantly, with an R2 = 17.03%, while visual factors dominate in winter and summer. (4) Conditional probability analysis reveals the effects of various environmental variables on psychological restoration, proposing season-specific environment optimization strategies. Based on these findings, the paper presents a model for optimizing urban public space environments in severely cold regions, aiming to maximize elderly psychological restoration by tailoring environmental stimulus variables to their mental health needs.

Using SIM-TLX to investigate the potential impacts on cognitive load while undertaking tasks in a virtual workplace

PurposeThe ability to measure cognitive load in the workplace provides several opportunities to improve workplace learning. In recent years, virtual reality (VR) has seen an increase in use for training and learning applications due to improvements in technology and reduced costs. This study aims to focus on the use of simulation task load index (SIM-TLX), a recently developed self-reported measure of cognitive load for virtual environments to measure cognitive load while undertaking tasks in different environments.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted a within-subject design experiment involving 14 participants engaged in digit-recall n-back tasks (1-back and 2-back) in two VR environments: a neutral grey environment and a realistic industrial ozone facility. Cognitive load was then assessed using the SIM-TLX.FindingsThe findings revealed higher task difficulty for the 2-back task due to higher mental demand. Furthermore, a notable interaction emerged between cognitive load and different virtual environments.Research limitations/implicationsThis study relied solely on an n-back task and SIM-TLX self-report measure to assess cognitive load. Future studies should consider including ecologically valid tasks and physiological measurement tools such as eye-tracking to measure cognitive load.Practical implicationsIdentifying cognitive workload sources during VR tasks, especially in complex work environments, is considered beneficial to the application of VR training aimed at improving workplace learning.Originality/valueThis study provides unique insights into measuring cognitive load from various sources as defined by the SIM-TLX sub-scales to investigate the impact of simulated workplace environments.

The Use of Augmented Reality as an Educational Tool in Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion.

One of the major challenges in training neurosurgical and orthopedic residents the technique for minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) is the lack of visualization of surgical landmarks (pedicle, pars, lamina). This is due to the limited access to the bony spine through a tubular retractor, in addition to a smaller working corridor or patient-specific factors such as bony overgrowth, disk space collapse, and listhesis. These factors increase the possibility for surgical error and prolonged surgery time. With augmented reality (AR), relevant surgical anatomy can be projected directly into the user's field of view through the microscope. The purpose of this study was to assess the utility, accuracy, efficiency, and precision of AR-guided MIS-TLIF and to determine its impact in spine surgery training. At 2 centers, 12 neurosurgical residents performed a one-level MIS-TLIF on a high-fidelity lumbar spine simulation model with and without AR projection into the microscope. For the MIS-TLIF procedures with AR, surgical landmarks were highlighted in different colors on preoperative image data. These landmarks were visualized in the spinal navigation application on the navigation monitor and in the microscope to confirm the relevant anatomy. Postprocedural surveys (National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index) were given to the residents. Twelve residents were included in this trial. AR-guided procedures had a consistent impact on resident anatomical orientation and workload experience. Procedures performed without AR had a significantly higher mental demand (P = .003) than with AR. Residents reported to a significantly higher rate that it was harder work for them to accomplish their level of performance without AR (P = .019). AR can bring a meaningful value in MIS teaching and training to confirm relevant anatomy in situations where the surgeon will have less direct visual access. AR used in surgical simulation can also speed the learning curve.

The minor allele of the serotonin transporter gene variant rs4251417 is associated with increased resilience in soldiers experiencing acute stress during survival training: preliminary findings

ABSTRACT Background Variation in cognitive, emotional and physical performance in response to stress is attributable to environmental and genetic factors. Ability to adapt to stress is resilience. Objectives This study investigated genetic factors associated with resilience in soldiers exposed to severe stress due to intense physical and mental demands at Survive, Evade, Resist and Escape school, a unique environment to study acute stress and resiliency in real-world circumstances. Design A preliminary correlational study was conducted to identify genetic markers for resilience to stress. Methods Mood state, resiliency and dissociative state of 73 soldiers were assessed using: Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC); Profile of Mood States (POMS); and Clinician-Administered Dissociative States Scale (CADSS). Change scores for resilience-related stress markers were computed; 116 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with stress, depression, anxiety, sleep, or psychiatric disorders were assessed. Results A significant association between change in CD-RISC score and SNP rs4251417, present in an intron of SLC6A4, the serotonin transporter gene, was observed. Conclusions Individuals with the minor allele of SNP rs4251417 had a greater positive change in CD-RISC, indicating increased self-assessed resilience. This study suggests the minor allele of SNP rs4251417 of SLC6A4 is associated with resilience when individuals are exposed to high stress.

Human-Robot Collaboration With a Corrective Shared Controlled Robot in a Sanding Task.

Physical and cognitive workloads and performance were studied for a corrective shared control (CSC) human-robot collaborative (HRC) sanding task. Manual sanding is physically demanding. Collaborative robots (cobots) can potentially reduce physical stress, but fully autonomous implementation has been particularly challenging due to skill, task variability, and robot limitations. CSC is an HRC method where the robot operates semi-autonomously while the human provides real-time corrections. Twenty laboratory participants removed paint using an orbital sander, both manually and with a CSC robot. A fully automated robot was also tested. The CSC robot improved subjective discomfort compared to manual sanding in the upper arm by 29.5%, lower arm by 32%, hand by 36.5%, front of the shoulder by 24%, and back of the shoulder by 17.5%. Muscle fatigue measured using EMG, was observed in the medial deltoid and flexor carpi radialis for the manual condition. The composite cognitive workload on the NASA-TLX increased by 14.3% for manual sanding due to high physical demand and effort, while mental demand was 14% greater for the CSC robot. Digital imaging showed that the CSC robot outperformed the automated condition by 7.16% for uniformity, 4.96% for quantity, and 6.06% in total. In this example, we found that human skills and techniques were integral to sanding and can be successfully incorporated into HRC systems. Humans performed the task using the CSC robot with less fatigue and discomfort. The results can influence implementation of future HRC systems in manufacturing environments.

Adaptive cognitive tasks for mental fatigue: An innovative paradigm for cognitive loading in human performance

ObjectivesMental fatigue (MF) can impair cognitive and physical performance in sport. We tested the hypothesis that a shorter adaptive Time Load Dual Back (TLDB) task induces MF faster than a longer Stroop; and subsequently impairs cognitive and intermittent running performance. DesignThis study employed a randomized within-participant design. Methods25 trained individuals performed a Yo-Yo test after one of four experimental conditions (30-min Stroop, 20-min and 10-min TLDB tasks, and active control). Cognitive performance was assessed using the Psychomotor Vigilance Task (PVT) before and after the experimental conditions. Measures of mood, workload, MF, RPE, heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV) and blood lactate were collected. ANOVAs determined the effect of the 4 conditions. ResultsStroop and 20-min TLDB conditions impaired running performance similarly (p = .015), while no differences are reported for 10-min TLDB and Control. No significant differences in physiological parameters were reported during the Yo-Yo test although RPE was significantly higher in the Stroop and 20-min TLDB conditions (p = .014). Stroop and both TLDBs conditions impaired PVT's cognitive performance (p = .029), MF (p = .012), mental demand (p < .001), HR (p = .021) and HRV (p = .033); with 20-min TLDB task having the higher significant impact. Mood alterations were similar between Stroop and TLDB conditions. ConclusionsIntermittent running (Yo-Yo) and cognitive (PVT) performances, and subjective ratings were impaired by 30-min Stroop and 20-min TLDB tasks; while 10-min TLDB did not to impair performance. Shorter adaptive modes seem to be more effective in inducing MF and could have relevant clinical applications to assess conditions such as traumatic brain injury and concussion.

Unraveling the interplay between mental workload, occupational fatigue, physiological responses and cognitive performance in office workers

Recently, cognitive demands in workplaces have surged significantly. This study explored the intricate relationship among mental workload (MWL), occupational fatigue, physiological responses, and cognitive performance in office workers by using collective semi-parametric models. One hundred office workers were selected from twenty offices involved in cognitive performance. MWL was assessed through the NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX), and occupational fatigue was measured using the Persian version of the Swedish Occupational Fatigue Inventory. Physiological responses, including respiratory rate, the electrical conductivity of the skin (ECS), Heart Rate (HR), and other heart-related parameters, were recorded from the participants during a work shift. Selective and Divided Attention tests were chosen to evaluate workers' cognitive function based on cognitive task analysis. The mean of MWL and occupational fatigue scores were 66.28 ± 11.76 and 1.62 ± 1.07, respectively. There was a significant moderate correlation between two dimensions, mental demand (0.429) and frustration (0.409), with functional fatigue. Also, Significant and, of course, nonlinear relationships were observed between MWL and HR (R2 = 0.44, P-value < 0.001) and ECS (R2 = 0.45, P-value < 0.001) and reaction time in selected (R2 = 0.34, P-value < 0.001) and divided test (R2 = 0.48, P-value < 0.001). Similarly, nonlinear relationships were observed between physiological responses and cognitive performance with fatigue among participants who had experienced higher levels of occupational fatigue. The MWL and fatigue seem to have a significant and non-linear effect on physiological parameters such as HR and ECS and cognitive parameters such as reaction time. Moreover, MWL can influence the dimension of functional fatigue of workers.

Stress and Sleep Deprivation Experienced by Bus Drivers of Government Bus Depots in an Urban Area of Chengalpattu District in South India.

Background Driving a bus is far more stressful than other professions. Bus drivers also take more sick leave than other workers because of the physical and mental demands of their employment. Bus drivers are especially vulnerable because of their intense work environment, poor sleep, and poor food pattern. The aim of the study was to assess stress and sleep deprivation of the government bus drivers in Chengalpattu District in Tamil Nadu and to identify the sociodemographic factors influencing them. Methodology An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 429 government bus drivers working under Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC )in selected government bus depots in the urban area of Chengalpattu District in Tamil Nadu, India. The principal investigator collected the data by using a semi-structured questionnaire which comprises six parts, i.e., sociodemographic variables, job-related factors, comorbidity, habits, stress assessed by using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), and sleep deprivation assessed by using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Results In the present study, the mean age of participants was 47.683 years. Hindus comprise 95.3% of the sample, and 96.7% are married. Approximately 47.6% of the drivers have achieved a higher secondary education. The average time spent working as a heavy vehicle driver was 20.4 years. About 37.1% (159 individuals) have hypertension, making it the most prevalent comorbidity. In this study, 47.3% (203 participants) reported very poor sleep, 35.7% (153 participants) reported average sleep, and 17.0% (73 participants) reported good sleep. Inferential statistics revealed that those drivers who were degree holderstook less than three breaks in duty time, slept over six hours at night, had the habit of smoking and drinking alcohol, and took more than 60 minutes to fall asleep experienced very poor sleep according to the ESS. In this study, 57.1% (245 participants) reported moderate stress levels, 24.2% (104 participants) showed high levels of perceived stress, and 18.6% (80 participants) reported low stress levels. Inferential statistics revealed that those drivers who were Muslims, degree holders, those with primary education, smokers, alcohol consumers, drivers with very poor sleep, and those who took more than six days of casual leave in the past six months experienced high stress according to the PSS-10. Conclusion Implementing effective health management strategies and minimizing work-related stress will lead to a decrease in work-related disorders among drivers. TNSTC should ensure enough lodging facilities for drivers at depots, bus terminals, and outstations. They require a minimum of eight hours of sleep every day to maintain optimal physical well-being.

Quantification of physiological and mental workloads of faster and slower finishers of a long-distance military training activity

BackgroundLong-distance runs with equipment are practised in military training establishments to develop physical stamina and prepare for battles. A study was planned to quantify and compare the physiological and mental...

External workload and cognitive performance of a tactical military scenario-based field exercise

IntroductionMilitary personnel must manage a multitude of competing physiological and cognitive stressors while maintaining high levels of performance. Quantifying the external workload and cognitive demands of tactical military field exercises...

Analisis Beban Kerja Mental Menggunakan Metode Nasa – TLX Pada Divisi Human Capital Services Officer

TTA is a mining company with a significant role played by the Human Capital Services Officer division. Employees are faced with a heavy mental workload. Intense industry competition demands improved performance in a short time with minimal errors. This study aims to analyze the mental workload in the Human Capital Services Officer division using the Nasa-TLX method. Employees work 5 days a week for 8 hours per day, but all employees in the Human Capital Services Officer division work beyond regular hours without overtime pay or shift rotation. The study utilizes the Nasa-TLX method to analyze the mental workload in the division. Out of 17 employees surveyed, 5 experienced excessive mental workload, while 12 had an optimal workload. Factors affecting the mental workload include Mental Demand, Temporal Demand, Frustration Level, and Performance Level. This analysis provides a better understanding and information that can be used to enhance user experience and work efficiency. Thus, this research provides important insights in managing workload within the Human Capital Services Officer division of PT.TTA Keywords: Employee Working Hours, Mental Workload, Nasa-TLX Method

Physical and mental demand during direct anterior total hip arthroplasty: Comparison of robotic-assisted and conventional techniques

IntroductionThe adoption of new techniques, such as the direct anterior (DA) approach, and technologies, such as robotic assistance, in total hip arthroplasty (THA) has the potential to alleviate the intraoperative physical and mental demand that surgeons experience. Therefore, the aim of this study is to compare the physical and mental demand of surgeons performing conventional DA THA with fluoroscopy and robotic-assisted DA THA without fluoroscopy. MethodsTwo orthopaedic surgeons completed bilateral DA THA's on six cadaveric specimens. To assess physical demand, heart rates (HR), respirations, HR variability (stress), calories burned, and sweat loss were recorded using smartwatches. Surgeons completed a modified SURG-TLX questionnaire to assess physical and mental demand. Data were pooled together and two-sample t-tests were performed. ResultsPhysical and mental demand metrics such as maximum HR, maximum stress, mean caloric expenditure and sweat loss were lower in robotic-assisted DA THA without fluoroscopy. Robotic-assisted THA was associated with a decreased percentage change for both the overall procedure and all surgical steps. Robotic-assisted THA also resulted in a significant difference in percentage change for maximum HR during acetabular reaming.Via questionnaire results, surgeons reported that robotic-assisted DA THA was significantly less physically and mentally demanding compared to conventional DA THA for the overall procedure and acetabular reaming. DiscussionIt is important to understand how robotic-assisted THA impacts the health of the surgeons using them. Robotic-assisted DA THA without fluoroscopy resulted in less physical and mental demand for orthopaedic surgeons for the overall procedure and individual surgical steps.

Neurorights, Mental Privacy, and Mind Reading

A pressing worry in the ongoing neurorights debate is the language used to advocate for newly proposed rights. This paper addresses this concern by first examining the partial and ambiguous associations between mind reading and neurotechnology, often cited by advocates in support of the right to mental privacy. Secondly, it addresses the conceptual foundations of mind reading, distinguishing between natural, digital, and neurotechnological forms. These distinctions serve to highlight the normative parallels in privacy vulnerabilities between neurotechnology and other mind-reading methods, with an emphasis on multimodal digital systems. I suggest that authentic safeguards for the mental realm demand an expansion of the protective ambit beyond brain-targeted devices to recognize the spectrum of mind-reading applications. Ultimately, this urges re-evaluation of the scope and justification of a right to mental privacy owing to the need for coherent frameworks in an increasingly interconnected digital landscape.

Feasibility of a contraceptive-specific electronic health record system to promote the adoption of pharmacist-prescribed contraceptive services in community pharmacies in the United States.

Pharmacists in over half of the United States can prescribe contraceptives; however, low pharmacist adoption has impeded the full realization of potential public health benefits. Many barriers to adoption may be addressed by leveraging an electronic health records (EHR) system with clinical decision support tools and workflow automation. We conducted a feasibility study to determine if utilizing a contraceptive-specific EHR could improve potential barriers to the implementation of pharmacist-prescribed contraceptive services. 20 pharmacists each performed two standardized patient encounter simulations: one on the EHR and one on the current standard of care paper-based workflow. A crossover study design was utilized, with each pharmacist performing encounters on both standardized patients with the modality order randomized. Encounters were timed, contraceptive outputs were recorded, and the pharmacists completed externally validated workload and usability surveys after each encounter, and a Perception, Attitude, and Satisfaction survey created by the research team after the final encounter. Pharmacists were more likely to identify contraceptive ineligibility using the EHR-based workflow compared to the paper workflow (P = .003). Contraceptive encounter time was not significantly different between the 2 modalities (P = .280). Pharmacists reported lower mental demand (P = .003) and greater perceived usefulness (P = .029) with the EHR-based workflow compared to the paper modality. Pharmacist performance and acceptance of contraceptive services delivery were improved with the EHR workflow. Pharmacist-specific contraceptive EHR workflows show potential to improve pharmacist adoption and provision of appropriate contraceptive care.

Eye-controlled endoscopy — a benchtop trial of a novel robotic steering platform — iGAZE2

The endoscopic control system has remained similar in design for many decades The remit of advanced therapeutic endoscopy continues to expand requiring precision control and high cognitive workloads. Robotic systems are emerging, but all still require bimanual control and expensive and large new systems. Eye tracking is an exciting area that can be used as an endoscope control system. This is a study to establish the feasibility of an eye-controlled endoscope and compare its performance and cognitive demand to use of a conventional endoscope. An eye gaze-control system consisting of eye-tracking glasses, customised software and a small motor unit was built and attached to a conventional endoscope. Twelve non-endoscopists used both the eye gaze system and a conventional endoscope to complete a benchtop task in a simulated oesophagus and stomach. Completion of tasks was timed. Subjective feedback was collected from each participant on task load using the NASA Task Load Index. Participants were significantly quicker completing the task using iGAZE2 vs a conventional endoscope (65.02 ± 16.34s vs 104.21 ± 51.31s, p = 0.013) Participants were also significantly quicker completing retroflexion using iGAZE2 vs a conventional endoscope (8.48 ± 3.08 vs 11.38 ± 5.36s, p = 0.036). Participants reported a significantly lower workload (raw NASA-TLX score) when using iGAZE2 vs the conventional endoscope (152.1 ± 63.4 vs 319.6 ± 81.6, p = 0.0001) (Fig. 7). Users found iGAZE2 to have a significantly lower temporal demand, mental demand, effort, mental demand, physical demand, and frustration level. The eye gaze system is an exciting, small, and retrofittable system to any endoscope. The system shows exciting potential as a novel endoscopic control system with a significantly lower workload and better performance in novices suggesting a more intuitive control system.

ESPORT: Electronic Sports Professionals Observations and Reflections on Training

Abstract Esports and high-performance human-computer interaction are at the forefront of implementing new hardware and software technologies Despite that, there is a paucity of research on how championship-level esports professionals approach aspects of their preparation. To begin addressing this gap, we conducted, transcribed, and analyzed interviews with top-level tournament players, coaches, and managers in the period 2015–2019. The interviews focused on mental, physical, and nutritional aspects of esports preparation. Initial processing included transcription and manual verification. Furthermore, where applicable, interview responses were rated and quantified by a panel of experts. Physical training was most often mentioned as a relevant or consistent activity, while nutrition was indicated as relatively unimportant. Qualitative analysis indicated that consistency and resilience are key factors for upcoming esports competitors to focus on. Interviewees also emphasized balancing their gameplay time with other activities. Lastly, we identified important areas critical for a deeper understanding of the mental and physical demands of professional esports players.