Esports for Seniors: Acute Effects of Esports Gaming in the Community on the Emotional State and Heart Rate among Japanese Older Adults

Abstract

In the last few years, esports have become popular among older individuals. Although participation in esports can become a novel activity for older adults, evidence on their effects is limited to young individuals. This study investigated the effects of esports participation on the emotional and physiological states of older adults. Twenty-five older men and women participating in health promotion activities in community centers (75 ± 8 years old) played a two-player racing game (Gran Turismo Sport, Sony) for 8–10 min. Their heart rates (HRs) were measured while the subjects played the games. The blood pressure (BP) and Profile of Mood States (POMS) were measured before and after gaming. The average HR during games (98 ± 17 bpm) was significantly higher than at pre-gaming (76 ± 11 bpm, p < 0.001). The BP before and after the games did not significantly change. Interestingly, the vigor scores (positive mood affect) in POMS increased after the games (p < 0.05) in females, but not in males. In summary, among older individuals, playing esports games showed a moderate increase in HR, no spike/drop of BP, and positive mood elevation. Our preliminary data suggest the feasibility of participating in esports in a community for older adults and that it could affect mood positively, especially among older women.

The Expectations of eSport Becomes Part of Sports

“…The mental health of eSport players may be affected by other symptoms caused by gaming disorder (Kwok et al, 2021;Sabri & Yunus, 2021;Yamasaki et al, 2022). In general, the articles state that prolonged gaming leads to prolonged mental fatigue.…”

Cognitive Decline with Pupil Constriction Independent of Subjective Fatigue During Prolonged Esports Across Player Expertise Levels

“…Esports is not only entertainment but also gaining ground as a novel attractive competitive sport for young people, given its high-stakes and numerous competitive events, including the Olympic Esports Series (Parry & Giesbrecht, 2023). Additionally, the inclusive nature of esports allows individuals across physical fitness, age, sex, language, and regional differences, a unique avenue to enhance physical and mental wellbeing (Onishi et al, 2022;Tabacof et al, 2021). Indeed, a short duration of optimum esports enhances cognitive function and mood in young and elderly people (Onishi et al, 2022;Green & Bavelier, 2003).…”

“…Additionally, the inclusive nature of esports allows individuals across physical fitness, age, sex, language, and regional differences, a unique avenue to enhance physical and mental wellbeing (Onishi et al, 2022;Tabacof et al, 2021). Indeed, a short duration of optimum esports enhances cognitive function and mood in young and elderly people (Onishi et al, 2022;Green & Bavelier, 2003). Furthermore, video gamers display higher cognitive ability than non-gamers (Kowal et al, 2018), suggesting that playing esports enhances brain performance in humans.…”

Emotional Arousal Interval Estimation Method for Older Adults Playing eSports by Focusing on Cheek Saturation

“…Games have been demonstrated to positively affect cognitive functions (3) . However, only a few studies have been conducted on older adults playing eSports (4) . Therefore, it is necessary to obtain information regarding older adults while they play eSports.…”