Physical Exercise and Performance in Esports Players: An Initial Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Participation in esports (excluding active video games) has raised concerns due to its sedentary nature and the potential negative effects this may have on player health. As well, research suggests that physical activity (PA)/exercise improves specific cognitive skills that have been identified as positive contributors to esports performance. The aim of this systematic review was to assess whether evidence supports that PA/exercise positively impacts esports player performance. Methods: The systematic literature search comprised PubMed, SPORTDiscus, PsycINFO, and Web of Science up until March 31, 2022. An additional search included reference list searching, citation searching, and hand searching. Results: Emerging evidence suggests that PA/exercise as an intervention may have a positive effect on esports performance. While it appears that the majority of esports players believe PA/exercise to be beneficial to esports performance, only a minority currently undertake PA/exercise for the purpose of improving esports performance. Conclusion: Although further controlled experimental research is necessary, results highlight that PA/exercise may positively correlate with esports performance. These effects are consistent with the majority of player perceptions that PA/exercise is beneficial to esports performance. Qualified fitness and health professionals should be utilized to implement training to enhance esports performance, improve health, and extend player career length.

Development of the Esportsmanship Scale and Analysis of Its Relationship to Well-Being, Physical Health Problems, Gaming Addiction Tendencies, Aggressive Feelings, Empathy, and Self-Positivity

“…Additionally, how individual differences, such as personality and information environment, affect the degree of effectiveness of esportsmanship should be investigated. Since the systematic review by McNulty et al (2023) indicates that physical activity and exercise are associated with esports performance, sports experience and esports skills should also be considered. With the rapid advances in information technology and changing fads, ongoing and future quantitative research related to esportsmanship must continue to increase.…”

Young Danish Esports Players Physical Health, and Their Opportunities and Wishes for Physical Activity From Their Esports Club: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…The study also shows that physical exercise improves the individual's health literacy, attention, long-term memory, and ability to acquire motor skills required in esports (Toth et al, 2020). However, a recent systematic review reveals that the motivation for exercise in most esports players tends to remain at low to moderate levels of PA (McNulty et al, 2023).…”

From “online brains” to “online lives”: understanding the individualized impacts of Internet use across psychological, cognitive and social dimensions

“…The relationship between online social activities and cognitive processes is currently the focus of various lines of research, yet it is important to recognize that real-world activity can significantly shape online social functioning and abilities as well 141,145,[151][152][153] . This interaction creates a multi-dimensional "feedback loop" between offline activities and online social contexts.…”

“…This interplay can be intentionally harnessed. For example, some professional e-sports players report using physical and mental train ing regimens, akin to traditional athletes, to improve their reaction time, endurance, and overall gaming prowess 153,155 .…”