Author(s): THOLL, C., FROBÖSE, I., WOLLESEN, B., Institution: GERMAN SPORT UNIVERSITY COLOGNE, Country: GERMANY, Abstract-ID: 906

INTRODUCTION:
In recent years, esports (competitive gaming) have emerged as both a popular leisure activity and a professional sport. Esports is characterized by prolonged sedentary behavior, monotonous postures, and highly repetitive fine motor movements of the upper extremities. These continuous physical demands may impose substantial musculoskeletal load, thereby increasing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders and potentially impairing performance. However, established internal–external load models in sport may not adequately capture the distinct contextual and task-related characteristics of esports. Therefore, the aim of this work was to extend an established internal–external load framework to the specific demands of esports using empirical findings and theory-driven integration.
METHODS:
A theory-based model extension approach was applied, using the load–response interaction model by Hottenroth and Seidel (2017) as the basic conceptual framework. Three complementary publications were proven for the model extension. Study I comprised a systematic review identifying musculoskeletal risk factors associated with video gaming. Studies II and III employed quasi-experimental designs to assess perceived exertion and perceived physical state, as well as muscular fatigue and kinematic parameters, during standardized competitive gaming sessions interrupted by a passive break. Key constructs were systematically extracted and mapped onto the existing model structure.
RESULTS:
External load characteristics, including prolonged video gaming exposure and sustained repetitive wrist movements, were associated with an increased prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints. Internal load responses increased over time, as indicated by increased perceived exertion and muscular fatigue in wrist extensors. Passive break periods resulted in a temporary reduction of subjective load indicators, whereas neuromuscular parameters remained largely unaffected. Based on these results, the original load model was extended.
CONCLUSION:
The present findings indicate an association between excessive video gaming exposure and musculoskeletal disorders, which may be interpreted as load related outcomes within the load–response framework. The results further provide initial insights into potential mechanisms underlying these load-related outcomes, as internal load responses increased over time, reflected by rising perceived exertion and the development of localized muscular fatigue. Notably, a pronounced divergence between subjective and objective parameters was observed during passive break periods. This dissociation may suggest an insufficient perception of ongoing physiological load. Taken together, these findings indicate that existing internal–external load models require extension to adequately reflect the specific load characteristics and response patterns observed in esports.

REFERENCE:
Hottenrott, K. & Seidel, I. (2017). Handbuch Trainingswissenschaft - Trainingslehre. Schorndorf Hofmann.