Musculoskeletal disorders in eSports athletes: A systematic review

Purpose: With the growing popularity and professionalisation of eSports, concerns regarding the physical condition of professional e-athletes are becoming the focus of attention. The potential effects of prolonged sitting and repetitive movements on the musculoskeletal system have not been fully researched. The aim of this review is to summarise the current scientific evidence on the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in professional eSports players and possible preventative measures. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted following preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines. All studies published from 2005 onwards investigating musculoskeletal disorders in professional e-athletes were included. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) adapted for cross-sectional studies and case series. Results: Ten studies with a total of 789 e-athletes met the inclusion criteria. Musculoskeletal disorders were highly prevalent, ranging from 26.8% to 86.2%. Commonly affected body regions included the lower back (4.7%–63.8%), shoulders (2.7%–59%), neck (11.3%–50%) and wrists (8%–44.8%). Eye fatigue was also reported (32.5%–92%). A significant association was found between longer training durations, inadequate ergonomic setup (e.g., absence of armrests) and the occurrence of musculoskeletal symptoms. Only a small proportion of e-athletes sought medical consultation. The methodological quality of the included studies was moderate, with the majority employing a cross-sectional design. Conclusions: Musculoskeletal disorders, frequently observed among e-athletes, substantially impair performance. Current data emphasises the importance of preventive measures: ergonomic gaming stations, physical training and regular medical check-ups. Further high-quality prospective studies with large sample sizes and control groups are necessary to identify causal relationships and address them in clinical setup. Level of Evidence: Level IV, systematic review of predominantly cross-sectional studies.