Professional gaming is brutal on the body – inside the growing field of treating esports injuries

Professional esports players often face severe physical injuries that can force early retirement. For example, Chinese League of Legends player Jian 'Uzi' Zi-hao earned over $500,000 in prize money but retired at age 25 due to chronic wrist and arm injuries. His career was cut short by conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis, which are common in repetitive motion activities. These injuries highlight the physical toll of professional gaming, where players endure long training sessions and high-pressure competitions. The mental strain is also significant, with studies showing that 37% of Portuguese esports players experience anxiety and depression, while 45% report sleep disturbances due to prolonged screen time and disrupted melatonin production.

Esports players frequently suffer from musculoskeletal issues, particularly in the hands, wrists, and back. Repetitive button-smashing can lead to gamer’s thumb (tendon irritation around the thumb and wrist), tendonitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome, which are also common among assembly-line workers. Prolonged sitting for three or more hours without breaks can cause lower back and spine problems. Additionally, extended screen time contributes to vision issues, including eye fatigue and a reduced ability to focus. The blue light from screens disrupts melatonin (a hormone regulating sleep), leading to sleep disturbances. In extreme cases, sedentary behavior can result in deep vein thrombosis (a blood clot in the leg), which can be fatal if it travels to the lungs, as seen in the 2011 death of British gamer Chris Staniforth, who played up to 12 hours at a time.

To address these injuries, top esports teams now employ physical therapists, performance psychologists, athletic trainers, and massage therapists to optimize player performance and recovery. Teams incorporate group exercises to build rapport and reduce injury risks, while proper posture and ergonomic equipment, such as supportive chairs, are emphasized. For example, selecting an ergonomic chair (designed to support the spine and reduce strain) can alleviate pain and prevent injuries when combined with stretching and strength exercises. Some teams also use reflex-training machines to improve reaction times. These strategies mirror those used in traditional sports, reflecting the growing professionalization of esports as a lucrative career path.

Researchers suggest that esports injury prevention could benefit from insights in fields like music and dance, where performers face similar physical and mental stresses. For instance, biomechanics (the study of movement) has found comparable patterns of forearm muscle fatigue in esports players and piano players. However, no studies have directly compared the two groups. Other areas of research, such as joint hypermobility (unusually flexible joints) or hand size, could offer valuable lessons for esports athletes. Even car racing, another sedentary but physically demanding sport, provides insights into managing prolonged sitting. These comparisons could lead to more tailored injury prevention and rehabilitation techniques for esports players.