A recent study conducted by researchers at New York Tech’s Center for Esports Medicine in collaboration with the global esports organization Fnatic has shed light on effective measures to prevent the formation of blood clots in gamers. The study, published in the American Journal of Physiology—Heart and Circulatory Physiology, analyzed the impact of compression sleeves and walking breaks on blood flow and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) risk among gamers.
Assessing interventions for DVT prevention
The study involved 10 healthy, college-aged gamers, all of whom were ranked esports players with extensive playing time. Participants were subjected to three different scenarios: uninterrupted gameplay, gameplay with a six-minute walking break, and gameplay while wearing a compression sleeve below the knee. Using Doppler ultrasound, researchers measured blood flow parameters at various intervals to assess the efficacy of each intervention.
Findings: Walking breaks outperform compression sleeves
The results indicated that uninterrupted gameplay led to a significant decrease in blood flow and velocity, with a 46 percent drop in blood flow volume after two hours. However, both walking breaks and compression sleeves showed promise in mitigating this decline. While the compression sleeve reduced blood flow by 31 percent, the six-minute walking break proved to be the most effective, with only a 20 percent decrease in blood flow at the two-hour mark.
Implications: A holistic approach to gamer health
Lead author Joanne Donoghue, Ph.D., emphasized the broader implications of the study beyond the gaming community. She highlighted the potential benefits for anyone who engages in prolonged sitting, such as office workers. Moreover, the study’s findings have the potential to inform health guidelines for collegiate esports players, addressing the growing need for regulations in the field.
The study provides valuable insights into strategies for preventing blood clots in gamers, with walking breaks emerging as a simple yet effective intervention. As esports continues to rise in popularity, initiatives like these are crucial for safeguarding the health and well-being of players. By collaborating with industry stakeholders like Fnatic, researchers aim to promote a holistic approach to gamer health and pave the way for future studies and regulations in the field.