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Review
. 2019 Dec 1;5(1):e000606.
doi: 10.1136/bmjsem-2019-000606. eCollection 2019.

Virtual sports deserve real sports medical attention

Ana Monteiro Pereira  1   2 , João Brito  1 , Pedro Figueiredo  1   2 , Evert Verhagen  3   4
Affiliations
Review

Virtual sports deserve real sports medical attention

Ana Monteiro Pereira et al. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med. .

Abstract

In recent years, virtual sports or '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.

Keywords: athlete; sitting time; sports & exercise medicine.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing interests: None declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Set-Up of the virtual football (EA SPORTS FIFA19) 2018–2019 season for clubs, as organised by the Portuguese Football Federation.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Global overview of eSports spectators (in millions of people). Historical information and projection* based on data retrieved online from: https://www.wepc.com/news/video-game-statistics/; and NewZoo, free 2018 global eSports market report, 2018.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Global overview of eSports revenues (in millions of USD). Historical information and projection* based on data retrieved online from: https://www.wepc.com/news/video-game-statistics/; https://www.mmogames.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/2017-video-game-trends-and-stats-1.png; and NewZoo, free 2018 global eSports market report, 2018.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Levels of physical activity based on IPAQ survey data of virtual football players registered with the Portuguese Football Federation and participating in official eSports competitions (n=721; χ2=499.52; p<0.01).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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