Ergonomic Protocol for Esports Performance
Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)
Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Travel: May Be Covered
Time Reimbursement: Varies
Trial Phase: Academic
Recruiting
Sponsor: University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Disqualifiers: Pain treatment, Upper extremity surgery, Cognitive impairments, Neck, shoulder, wrist, back injury
No Placebo Group
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?
Is the Esports Ergonomic Protocol safe for humans?
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.711121314
Research Team
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.
See 2 more
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
See 1 more
Trial 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 (Behavioural Intervention)
Trial OverviewThe 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
1Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Group I: Ergonomic Protocol for Esports AthletesExperimental Treatment1 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.
Find a Clinic Near You
Research Locations NearbySelect from list below to view details:
University of Nevada, Las VegasLas Vegas, NV
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Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Lead Sponsor
Trials
81
Patients Recruited
14,700+
References
Anthropometric dimensions and overuse injury among Australian keyboard operators. [2019]This study was instigated to examine the relationship between overuse injury and anthropometric dimensions of Australian keyboard operators to investigate the possibility that a poor anthropometric fit of the workstation may result in greater incidence of such disorders. There were no differences between the anthropometric dimensions of sufferers and nonsufferers of overuse injury among the male keyboard operators. Among men in this study, stature and several other anthropometric dimensions as a proportion of stature were similar to those of North American and European populations for which equipment used in Australia is designed. In contrast, among women, significant differences were evident between sufferers and nonsufferers. The sufferers had greater hip widths and seat breadths, and a greater proportion were overweight (body mass greater than 26). There was also a tendency for shorter limb segment lengths among the sufferers. The women as a group, and the sufferers in particular, had several anthropometric dimensions that, as a proportion of stature, were outside the range of reference populations for design of Australian office workstations. The subject numbers in the present study are relatively small; however, they suggest that a proportion of the female population may not be accommodated by equipment currently in use. The increased proportion of sufferers who are overweight may suggest a relationship between overuse injury and lack of exercise, since the latter is well known to cause increased weight. A longitudinal study is needed to confirm this observation.
A medical-ergonomic program for symptomatic keyboard/mouse users. [2017]To describe the range of ergonomic stressors and effective interventions in otherwise healthy patients diagnosed with upper extremity disorders associated with occupational keyboard/mouse use.
A single-subject design of ergonomic intervention effectiveness for university employees in a new facility. [2017]As clinicians are searching for evidence to support their practice interventions, it is sometimes hard to find the "real-world" studies that incorporate the complexities of actual practice. Following calls in the public health, nursing and medical literature for clinicians to participate in practice-based evidence, this pilot study explores the effectiveness of a single-subject design for practice-based evidence. Twenty-five "well" university employees participated in an ergonomic intervention over the course of one academic semester that consisted of a 15 min ergonomic intake session, a 45 min group hands-on ergonomic educational session and a 15 min individual ergonomic consult in their offices. Participants were sent postural comfort surveys weekly and their subjective ratings were analyzed to determine the effectiveness of the intervention to decrease their perceived postural discomfort at a computer work station. Twenty-one of the twenty-five participants reported an improvement in postural comfort over the course of the study. This pilot study suggests that further investigation needs to be conducted to determine the effectiveness of hands-on ergonomic education and consultation for well populations working at computer workstations.
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]Little is known about the most effective occupational health and safety (OHS) interventions to reduce upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and injuries.
clinical ergonomic job analysis and consultation: Facilitating work reentry in a case with upper extremity cumulative trauma-related disability. [2021]The management of work-related recurrent and chronic upper extremity cumulative trauma disorders (UECTDs) represents a challenge particularly when return to work is a treatment goal. Many of these work-related UECTDs may be the consequence of exposure to such physical stressors as repetition, excessive force, awkward and sustained posture in addition to psychosocial stressors in the workplace. Pain and associated disability can be exacerbated by these ergonomic and psychosocial stressors. The application of ergonomic principles and techniques in the context of clinical management of UECTDs may assist in efforts to return the injured worker to work and reduce the likelihood of increased symptoms, discomfort, and disability. This paper presents a case of a 43-year-old dental hygientist unable to work for a period of 2 months due to recurrent episodes of pain in the neck, right shoulder, and arm radiating to the right thumb experienced episodically over a 10-year duration. The case is presented to illustrate the application of ergonomic principles and techniques in the clinical management of a chronic episodic UECTD. The implementation of an ergonomic job analysis and subsequent ergonomic interventions at the workplace that occurred in conjunction with rehabilitation was associated with anecdotal improvements in pain, function, and comfort levels upon returning to work. While the case highlights the potential utility of ergonomics in the management of an occupational musculoskeletal upper extremity disorder, the need for reliable, valid, cost effective, and time efficient methods to assess ergonomic exposure within a clinical context remain to be developed.
Lessons on Data Collection and Curation From the NFL Injury Surveillance Program. [2022]"Research-ready" evidence platforms that link sports data with anonymized electronic health records (EHRs) or other data are important tools for evaluating injury occurrence in response to changes in games, training, rules, and other factors. While there is agreement that high-quality data are essential, there is little evidence to guide data curation.
Applying systems ergonomics methods in sport: A systematic review. [2020]As sports systems become increasingly more complex, competitive, and technology-centric, there is a greater need for systems ergonomics methods to consider the performance, health, and safety of athletes in context with the wider settings in which they operate. Therefore, the purpose of this systematic review was to identify and critically evaluate studies which have applied a systems ergonomics research approach in the context of sports performance and injury management.
Sports injury/illness reporting at major sporting events: development and implementation of a data collection system. [2009]When a large number of athletes compete intensely over a short period of time, a variety of sports injuries and illnesses are often encountered. Maintaining health records at these events presents a challenge to medical organizing committees. Accurate data collection is important, not only for planning of medical services, but also for development of prevention programs and policies relating to athletes' health. Recruitment of a dedicated data collection team with sports medicine background and computer expertise will facilitate collection and analysis of medical data at this type of event. This paper reviews the development and implementation of a sports injury and illness recording system used at the 1989 Jeux Canada Summer Games. Over 3500 participants had access to comprehensive medical services during the two weeks of competitions. Information on medical encounters was available daily during the games and a final report on sports injuries and illnesses was easily generated.
The perception of injury risk and safety in triathlon competition: an exploratory focus group study. [2012]To explore stakeholder perceptions of triathlon competition safety and injury risk.
Consensus on a jockey's injury prevention framework for video analysis: a modified Delphi study. [2022]Professional horse racing is a high-risk and dangerous sport with a high incidence of falls and injuries. While falls in horse racing are considered somewhat inevitable and carry an inherent occupational risk, little is known about the actual mechanisms of jockey injuries. Establishing injury aetiology and mechanism is a fundamental step in informing the design and implementation of future injury prevention strategies. Despite the availability of horse racing video footage, the use of video analysis to examine injury mechanisms is an underused practice. Using an expert consensus-based approach, an industry expert steering committee was assembled to develop a framework for video analysis research in horse racing. The aim of the framework is to encourage and facilitate the use of video analysis in the sport and to ensure consistency and quality of future application. To achieve consensus, a systematic review and modified Delphi method study design was used. Responses of the steering committee to two open-ended questions regarding the risk factors of falls and injury were collated and combined with findings from a literature search strategy. Appropriate descriptors and definitions were then formulated that defined and described key features of a jockey fall in horse racing and grouped into six discrete phases of an inciting event. Each member of the steering committee then examined the framework of proposed descriptors and definitions and rated their level of agreement on the 5-point Likert scale. A consensus was achieved on a total of 73 horse racing-specific descriptors and 268 associated definitions. The framework outlined in this study provides a valuable starting point for further research and practice within this area, while the recommendations and implications documented aim to facilitate the practical application of video analysis in horse racing.
Musculoskeletal pain is common in competitive gaming: a cross-sectional study among Danish esports athletes. [2022]The 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.
More Than a Game: Musculoskeletal Injuries and a Key Role for the Physical Therapist in Esports. [2021]Label="SYNOPSIS" NlmCategory="CONCLUSIONS">The esports industry is growing exponentially: more viewers, more support, more money, and more players. Esports competitors require high-level cognitive function and dexterity. There is an increasing demand for physical therapists to manage esports-related musculoskeletal injuries across all levels of play (amateur, semi-professional, professional). Clinicians have relied on general musculoskeletal principles and extrapolating research findings from other populations, including athletes, office workers, air traffic controllers, and musicians, to inform an evidence-based practice approach to assessing and managing injury in esports competitors. The physical demands of esports competitors are triple those of office workers, varying across esports games, platforms (computer, console, mobile), and levels of performance. We highlight the role of physical therapy in esports, the need for best-practice guidelines for musculoskeletal health care, the current research evidence, and the large research gaps in the field. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2021;51(9):415-417. doi:10.2519/jospt.2021.0109.
Gamer's Health Guide: Optimizing Performance, Recognizing Hazards, and Promoting Wellness in Esports. [2021]Electronic sports (esports), or competitive video gaming, is a rapidly growing industry and phenomenon. While around 90% of American children play video games recreationally, the average professional esports athlete spends 5.5 to 10 h gaming daily. These times and efforts parallel those of traditional sports activities where individuals can participate at the casual to the professional level with the respective time commitments. Given the rapid growth in esports, greater emphasis has been placed on identification, management, and prevention of common health hazards that are associated with esports participation while also focusing on the importance of health promotion for this group of athletes. This review outlines a three-point framework for sports medicine providers, trainers, and coaches to provide a holistic approach for the care of the esports athlete. This esports framework includes awareness and management of common musculoskeletal and health hazards, opportunities for health promotion, and recommendations for performance optimization.
Spine Posture, Mobility, and Stability of Top Mobile Esports Athletes: A Case Series. [2023]Professional esports athletes spend a long time in the same sitting posture during training and competition. Mobile esports may exacerbate potential postural problems because of the closer and unsupported arms and because athletes spend more time in a forward-/flexed-head posture. Prolonged sitting in these postures carries significant health risks and may lead to musculoskeletal problems and injuries. The objective of this retrospective study is to assess the posture, mobility, and stability of the spine for professional mobile esports athletes. We collected spine-assessment data from 48 athletes participating in a top-tier league on a real-time-strategy battle-arena online game. The spinal assessment was conducted using the SpinalMouse® under upright standing and trunk flexion in addition to the Matthiass test. Measurements were converted into Idiag Scores by the SpinalMouse® software. The Idiag Posture, Idiag Mobility, and Idiag Stability scores were 62.50 (IQR: 21), 63.50 (IQR: 19.5), and 54.50 (IQR: 14.5), respectively, and were significantly lower (p 0.05). The scores also had no significant association with body height, body mass, body mass index, and esports team (p > 0.05). It was anticipated that mobile-based esports would attenuate the biomechanics of the spine and increase the likelihood of musculoskeletal problems, such as neck and back pain.