(Research Hub Theater) Exploring the Impact of Prolonged Sitting on the Body Composition and Bone Density of Competitive Male Esports Gamers

Objective: Despite the rise of competitive computer gaming in recent years, little literature has been published analyzing the effects of prolonged sitting seen in esports athletes. The sedentary lifestyle involved in this growing phenomenon may promote muscle and bone atrophy, leading to an increased incidence of musculoskeletal injuries. This study aims to analyze body composition and bone mineral density in male esport gamers vs aged-matched controls. Secondarily, we aim to examine the relationship between muscle strength and lean body mass (LBM) in regions of interest to gamers.

Design: Cross-sectional observational study

Setting: Academic Medicine Health Care Clinic

Participants: 30 biological males (mean age 20.4±2.5); 15 competitive esports gamers (mean age 19.6±1.7) and 15 aged-matched and BMI-matched controls (mean age 21.2±3.0)

Interventions: N/a

Main Outcome Measures: Bone mineral density (BMD), body composition data (body fat percentage (BF%), lean body mass (LBM), and visceral fat). Secondary outcomes include grip strength, forearm and upper arm LBM

Results: A student t-test found that gamers had significantly lower BMD Z-scores (p=.02) and LBM (p=.02) compared to controls. Gamers also had significantly higher BF% (p=.03). No significant difference was found between groups regarding visceral fat (p=.62). In secondary outcomes, gamers had significantly lower dominant and non-dominant hand grip strength (p < 0.00), forearm LBM (Right- p=.05; Left- p =.04), and upper arm LBM (Right- p< 0.00; Left- p< 0.00). A strong correlation was found between grip strength and forearm LBM (.625, P<.001), along with upper arm LBM (.720, P>.001)

Conclusions: The sedentary lifestyle of esports gamers results in negative changes in bone density and body composition, putting them at risk for the development of musculoskeletal disorders such as osteoporosis and sarcopenia. Thus, the results of this study allow us to identify a unique population that will benefit from future rehabilitation regimens to improve functionality. Early intervention should be initiated to limit the extent of these disorders.