TY - JOUR
T1 - Virtual sports deserve real sports medical attention
AU - Pereira, Ana Monteiro
AU - Brito, João
AU - Figueiredo, Pedro
AU - Verhagen, Evert
PY - 2019/12/1
Y1 - 2019/12/1
N2 - In recent years, virtual sports or a € eSports' have grown exponentially both recreationally and at the professional level. eSports comprise several regulated video games played competitively, using electronic platforms. Some eSports competitions present a structure comparable to traditional sports, and eSports players, even with major skills and mental focus, need preparation and training to thrive. However, little is known about the demands of eSports competitions and continuous training. As the popularity and stakes rise, concerns about the health and emerging risks of eSports participation might arise. Indeed, in the absence of proper descriptive data about the specific characteristics of the eSports population (including factors such as screen time, physical activity, overuse injuries or training environment), effective prevention and care cannot be developed nor provided. Therefore, quality healthcare and prevention strategies are needed. In the current viewpoint, we argue that those involved with Sports Science and Medicine should lead the discussion and reflect on the health effects of eSports participation, providing scientifically-based arguments to better answer to the current eSports professionalism.
AB - In recent years, virtual sports or a € eSports' have grown exponentially both recreationally and at the professional level. eSports comprise several regulated video games played competitively, using electronic platforms. Some eSports competitions present a structure comparable to traditional sports, and eSports players, even with major skills and mental focus, need preparation and training to thrive. However, little is known about the demands of eSports competitions and continuous training. As the popularity and stakes rise, concerns about the health and emerging risks of eSports participation might arise. Indeed, in the absence of proper descriptive data about the specific characteristics of the eSports population (including factors such as screen time, physical activity, overuse injuries or training environment), effective prevention and care cannot be developed nor provided. Therefore, quality healthcare and prevention strategies are needed. In the current viewpoint, we argue that those involved with Sports Science and Medicine should lead the discussion and reflect on the health effects of eSports participation, providing scientifically-based arguments to better answer to the current eSports professionalism.
KW - athlete
KW - sitting time
KW - sports & exercise medicine
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85076101592&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1136/bmjsem-2019-000606
DO - 10.1136/bmjsem-2019-000606
M3 - Review article
C2 - 31803495
AN - SCOPUS:85076101592
VL - 5
JO - BMJ open sport & exercise medicine
JF - BMJ open sport & exercise medicine
SN - 2055-7647
IS - 1
M1 - e000606
ER -