Ergonomic Protocol for Esports Performance

Overseen By Donnamarie Krause, Ph.D

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Disqualifiers: Pain treatment, Upper extremity surgery, Cognitive impairments, Neck, shoulder, wrist, back injury

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 8

Duration: 6 weeks

12 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if this ergonomic protocol can improve performance and reduce ergonomic risk in esports athletes. It will also learn about the insight of esports athletes and their experience in implementing this new protocol. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does this ergonomic protocol improve performance? Does this ergonomic protocol reduce ergonomic risk? Researchers will assign the protocol to esports athletes who meet inclusion criteria and express interest in participating in the study. A pre-post design will be conducted to note any differences. Participants will: * Participate in a 6-week study with 4 in-person visits * Volunteers will be requested to participate in a focus group during Week 6. * Implement the strengthening protocol 3x a week and a warm up/cool down protocol before and after each gaming session. * Attend one educational session about gaming ergonomics during Week 1 * Complete the Rapid Entire Body Assessment, Kovaaks Asessment, and a Questionnaire during Week Zero, Week 3, and Week 6.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What data supports the effectiveness of the Esports Ergonomic Protocol treatment?

Research shows that ergonomic interventions, like hands-on education and consultations, can improve comfort and reduce discomfort for people working at computer workstations, which suggests similar benefits might be seen in esports players. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is the Esports Ergonomic Protocol safe for humans?

The research articles reviewed do not provide specific safety data for the Esports Ergonomic Protocol or similar treatments in humans. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

How does the Esports Ergonomic Protocol treatment differ from other treatments for esports-related musculoskeletal issues?

The Esports Ergonomic Protocol is unique because it specifically addresses the ergonomic needs of esports athletes, focusing on posture, mobility, and stability to prevent musculoskeletal problems. Unlike general musculoskeletal treatments, this protocol is tailored to the specific demands and postures associated with prolonged gaming sessions. ^{7 11 12 13 14}

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for competitive e-sport athletes who are interested in improving their performance and reducing ergonomic risks through a new protocol. Participants must commit to a 6-week study with regular visits, exercises, and assessments.

Inclusion Criteria

Plays at least 10 hours a week

Must be affiliated with an established Esports team or organization

I have a way to get to my appointments.

Exclusion Criteria

Individuals with cognitive impairments

Individuals with a history of a neck, shoulder, wrist, and/or back injury

Individuals currently receiving treatment for self-reported pain related to prolonged gaming

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1 week

1 visit (virtual)

Baseline Assessment

Baseline assessments using REBA and Kovaaks to evaluate ergonomic risks and gaming performance

1 week

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Participants implement the ergonomic protocol, including educational sessions and regular assessments

6 weeks

4 visits (in-person)

Focus Group

Participants engage in a focus group to discuss their experiences and progress with the protocol

1 week

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants complete a post-survey and are monitored for adherence to the protocol

6 weeks

1 visit (virtual)

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Esports Ergonomic Protocol

Trial Overview The trial tests an esports ergonomic protocol designed to enhance gaming performance and minimize injury risk. Athletes will follow the protocol over six weeks, including exercises, educational sessions, and focus groups.

Participant Groups

Group I: Ergonomic Protocol for Esports Athletes Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

This arm of the study involves the implementation of a six-week ergonomic protocol specifically designed for esports athletes who primarily use a PC setup (mouse and keyboard). The intervention includes an educational component on proper posture, warm-ups, and cool-down exercises, as well as a postural rehabilitation program to reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries and improve gaming performance. Participants will attend four in-person sessions for assessments and training, with ergonomic risk and gaming performance evaluated at baseline, mid-point, and post-intervention. A focus group and long-term follow-up questionnaire will also be included to gather feedback and assess adherence to the protocol.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Lead Sponsor

Trials

81

Recruited

14,700+

Findings from Research

Among male keyboard operators, there were no significant differences in anthropometric dimensions between those with overuse injuries and those without, suggesting that workstation fit may not be a major factor for this group.

In contrast, female keyboard operators with overuse injuries exhibited significant differences in body dimensions, such as greater hip widths and a higher prevalence of being overweight, indicating that current workstation designs may not adequately accommodate women, potentially leading to increased injury risk.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Anthropometric dimensions and overuse injury among Australian keyboard operators. Green, RA., Briggs, CA.[2019]

In a study of 56 patients with upper extremity disorders related to keyboard and mouse use, the most common issues included myofascial pain syndrome and poor posture, highlighting the impact of ergonomic stressors.

After implementing medical and ergonomic interventions, 89% of patients reported improvement, suggesting that combining ergonomic education with medical treatment is effective for managing these work-related disorders.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A medical-ergonomic program for symptomatic keyboard/mouse users. Bleecker, ML., Celio, MA., Barnes, SK.[2017]

In a pilot study involving 25 university employees, an ergonomic intervention consisting of educational sessions and individual consultations led to improved postural comfort for 21 participants, indicating potential effectiveness.

The study highlights the need for further research into hands-on ergonomic education and consultation to better understand its impact on reducing postural discomfort in individuals working at computer stations.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A single-subject design of ergonomic intervention effectiveness for university employees in a new facility. Lindstrom-Hazel, D.[2017]

A systematic review of 36 studies found moderate evidence that using arm supports can effectively reduce upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), while workstation adjustments alone showed strong evidence of having no effect.

Combining ergonomics training with workstation adjustments may provide limited benefits, but there is insufficient evidence to recommend solely relying on workstation adjustments for preventing upper extremity MSDs.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Systematic review of the role of occupational health and safety interventions in the prevention of upper extremity musculoskeletal symptoms, signs, disorders, injuries, claims and lost time. Kennedy, CA., Amick, BC., Dennerlein, JT., et al.[2022]

The application of ergonomic principles in managing work-related upper extremity cumulative trauma disorders (UECTDs) can help improve pain, function, and comfort levels for workers, as demonstrated in a case study of a dental hygienist who returned to work after ergonomic interventions.

Despite the positive outcomes observed, there is a need for better methods to assess ergonomic exposure in clinical settings to ensure effective management of these disorders.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

clinical ergonomic job analysis and consultation: Facilitating work reentry in a case with upper extremity cumulative trauma-related disability. Hickey, PF., Feuerstein, M.[2021]

The study highlights the importance of systematic data curation in creating a 'research-ready' evidence platform for injury surveillance in the NFL, showing that ongoing adjustments improve data quality and completeness.

Switching from targeted injury reporting to an electronic health record (EHR) system resulted in a 20% increase in recorded injuries, demonstrating that EHRs can enhance the accuracy of injury data collection.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Lessons on Data Collection and Curation From the NFL Injury Surveillance Program. Dreyer, NA., Mack, CD., Anderson, RB., et al.[2022]

This systematic review identified seven studies that applied systems ergonomics methods to enhance sports performance and manage injuries, highlighting the importance of a holistic approach in sports settings.

The review found that while two studies focused on optimizing performance, five concentrated on injury management, demonstrating the flexibility of systems ergonomics in addressing both athlete health and performance across various sports.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Applying systems ergonomics methods in sport: A systematic review. Hulme, A., Thompson, J., Plant, KL., et al.[2020]

A dedicated data collection system for sports injuries and illnesses was successfully implemented at the 1989 Jeux Canada Summer Games, involving over 3500 participants and providing comprehensive medical services.

The system allowed for daily tracking of medical encounters, which facilitated the generation of a final report on injuries and illnesses, highlighting the importance of accurate data collection for improving athlete health and safety.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Sports injury/illness reporting at major sporting events: development and implementation of a data collection system. Harrison, EL., Price, CJ.[2009]

Stakeholders in triathlon competitions perceive the highest risk of serious injury to be associated with cycling, while running is more commonly linked to minor injuries, indicating a need for targeted safety measures in cycling segments.

Factors such as course design, competitor experience, and environmental conditions were identified as significant contributors to injury risk, suggesting that addressing these elements could help improve safety in triathlon events.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The perception of injury risk and safety in triathlon competition: an exploratory focus group study. Gosling, CM., Donaldson, A., Forbes, AB., et al.[2012]

A new framework for video analysis in horse racing has been developed to better understand the mechanisms of jockey injuries, which is crucial for creating effective injury prevention strategies.

The framework includes 73 specific descriptors and 268 definitions related to jockey falls, achieved through expert consensus, aiming to standardize future research and improve safety in the sport.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Consensus on a jockey's injury prevention framework for video analysis: a modified Delphi study. Lucas, D., Stokes, K., McGuigan, P., et al.[2022]

Among 188 esports athletes aged 15-35, 42.6% reported experiencing musculoskeletal (MSK) pain, with back pain being the most common at 31.3%.

Athletes with MSK pain trained significantly less in esports, averaging 5.6 hours less per week compared to those without pain, indicating that MSK pain may negatively impact their training and participation in esports.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Musculoskeletal pain is common in competitive gaming: a cross-sectional study among Danish esports athletes. Lindberg, L., Nielsen, SB., Damgaard, M., et al.[2022]

The esports industry is rapidly expanding, leading to a growing need for physical therapists to address musculoskeletal injuries among players at all levels, as their physical demands are significantly higher than those of typical office workers.

Current practices in managing esports injuries rely on general musculoskeletal principles and research from other fields, highlighting the need for specific best-practice guidelines and more focused research in esports-related health care.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

More Than a Game: Musculoskeletal Injuries and a Key Role for the Physical Therapist in Esports. McGee, C., Hwu, M., Nicholson, LL., et al.[2021]

Professional esports athletes spend a significant amount of time gaming daily, similar to traditional sports, which raises concerns about health hazards associated with prolonged gaming.

The review proposes a three-point framework for sports medicine providers to support esports athletes, focusing on managing health risks, promoting overall health, and optimizing performance.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Gamer's Health Guide: Optimizing Performance, Recognizing Hazards, and Promoting Wellness in Esports. Emara, AK., Ng, MK., Cruickshank, JA., et al.[2021]

A study of 48 professional mobile esports athletes revealed that their posture, mobility, and stability scores were significantly lower than the normative value, indicating potential risks for musculoskeletal problems due to prolonged sitting and poor posture during gaming.

The findings suggest that mobile esports may exacerbate spinal issues, as athletes often adopt forward-flexed head postures, which could lead to increased neck and back pain over time.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Spine Posture, Mobility, and Stability of Top Mobile Esports Athletes: A Case Series. Lam, WK., Chen, B., Liu, RT., et al.[2023]

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Anthropometric dimensions and overuse injury among Australian keyboard operators. [2019]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A medical-ergonomic program for symptomatic keyboard/mouse users. [2017]

3. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A single-subject design of ergonomic intervention effectiveness for university employees in a new facility. [2017]

4. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Systematic review of the role of occupational health and safety interventions in the prevention of upper extremity musculoskeletal symptoms, signs, disorders, injuries, claims and lost time. [2022]

5. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

clinical ergonomic job analysis and consultation: Facilitating work reentry in a case with upper extremity cumulative trauma-related disability. [2021]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Lessons on Data Collection and Curation From the NFL Injury Surveillance Program. [2022]

7. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Applying systems ergonomics methods in sport: A systematic review. [2020]

8. Canada pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Sports injury/illness reporting at major sporting events: development and implementation of a data collection system. [2009]

9. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The perception of injury risk and safety in triathlon competition: an exploratory focus group study. [2012]

10. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Consensus on a jockey's injury prevention framework for video analysis: a modified Delphi study. [2022]

11. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Musculoskeletal pain is common in competitive gaming: a cross-sectional study among Danish esports athletes. [2022]

12. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

More Than a Game: Musculoskeletal Injuries and a Key Role for the Physical Therapist in Esports. [2021]

13. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Gamer's Health Guide: Optimizing Performance, Recognizing Hazards, and Promoting Wellness in Esports. [2021]

14. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Spine Posture, Mobility, and Stability of Top Mobile Esports Athletes: A Case Series. [2023]