Investigation of the effects of electronic sports (e-sports) experien-ce on hand function, strength, endurance and pain in elite league of legends players

This study aimed to evaluate the intricate relationship between e-sports experience and factors such as hand function, strength, endurance, and pain in professional e-sports athletes. The sample comprised 20 professional e-sports athletes (M:20; 18.50±1.90 years) who volun-tarily participated. Assessments including pain, disability, strength, and endurance were per-formed by the same physiotherapist during a three-month period at SportsCareClinic. Hand grip strength was measured using a Jamar hand dynamometer. Physical activity levels were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ). Hand function disability and symptoms were evaluated using the Disability of Arm Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire (DASH). Participants' pain was measured via the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). These findings revealed a significant moderate correlation between e-sports experience duration and DASH scores (r=0.443; p=0.049), indicating potential hand function issues and a significant difference in DASH scores based on e-sports experience duration (t=-2.203; p=0.041). A significant positive correlation was observed between power and fatigue re-sistance (p < 0.05, r = 0.68) and a significant impact of power on hand function (p < 0.01, r = 0.72). This study is unique in its focus on this population and underscores the need for a com-prehensive approach to e-sports athlete health, incorporating regular assessments, preventive measures, and education. These insights are of high value to physiotherapists specialized in sports physiotherapy, offering a deeper understanding of musculoskeletal disorders in e-sports athletes and paving the way for effective strategies and interventions for injury prevention and health promotion in this field.