The Effectiveness of an Ergonomic Protocol in Reducing Ergonomic Risk and Improving Performance for Competitive E-Sport Athletes
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Summary
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.
Description
1. Recruitment will occur via snowballing, word-of-mouth, flyers, emails, and social media posts 2. Potential participants will complete a general Demographic questionnaire via Qualtrics as part of the inclusion criteria, collecting information such as age, race, type of gaming input they use (mouse and keyboard or controller), gaming experience, and any self-reported symptoms of musculoskeletal issues from prolonged gaming if any. 3. Potential participants will be contacted within 48 hours of completing the demographic survey informing them of whether or not they are eligible. 4. Eligible par…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * 18+ years old * Primarily participates in PC games(s) using mouse and keyboard for at least a year * Plays at least 10 hours a week * Must be affiliated with an established Esports team or organization * Must have transportation Exclusion Criteria: * Individuals currently receiving treatment for self-reported pain related to prolonged gaming * Those with a history of surgical procedures in the upper extremities * Individuals with cognitive impairments * Individuals with a history of a neck, shoulder, wrist, and/or back injury
Interventions
- OtherEsports Ergonomic Protocol
The Esports Ergonomic Protocol is a six-week intervention designed to reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries and enhance gaming performance for esports athletes. It includes an educational session on ergonomics, focusing on proper posture, body mechanics, and workstation setup. The protocol also incorporates warm-up and cool-down exercises to prevent strain and improve flexibility, as well as a postural rehabilitation program targeting the upper extremities and core muscles. Participants will attend four in-person sessions at specified intervals for ergonomic risk assessments (using REBA) and gaming performance evaluations (using Kovaaks). The intervention also features online resources, including exercise tutorials and ergonomic tips, to support adherence and long-term implementation. Feedback will be collected through post-intervention surveys and an optional focus group to refine the protocol for future use in the esports community.
Location
- University of Nevada, Las VegasLas Vegas, Nevada