Physical activity level, sitting time, and skeletal muscle mass between esports players and non-esports players

• Main Authors: See, Zhi H., Abdul Hamid, Mohamad S.
• Format: Article
• Published: Edizioni Minerva Medica 2022
• Subjects: RC1200 Sports Medicine
• Online Access: http://eprints.um.edu.my/43710/
• Institution: Universiti Malaya

BACKGROUND: The number of esports players has been steadily increasing over the last decade. Esports’ low levels of physical activity and prolonged sitting time increase the risk of noncommunicable diseases. There are few studies on esports players’ physical activity levels, sitting time, and skeletal muscle mass, particularly in Southeast Asia. The aim of this study was to investigate the physical activity level, sitting time and skeletal muscle mass of esports players and compare with non-esports players. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional match control study. Twenty-six male esports players and non-esports players between age of 18 to 35 years participated. Physical activity level and the weekly physical activity time were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and a standardize clinical research form respectively. Secondary data including skeletal muscle mass, visceral fat mass, and body fat percentage were estimated using a bio-electrical impedance analysis machine. RESULTS: Esports participants reported no vigorous intensity physical activity per-week. The total duration of physical activity per-week between 2 groups was comparable. A significant association between playing esports and not fulfilling the WHO physical activity level recommendation (P=0.024) was noted. Esports participants reported significantly (P=0.016) longer sitting time per day and lower skeletal muscle mass (P=0.024) compared to non-esports participants. CONCLUSIONS: Majority of esports players did no achieved the recommendation WHO physical-activity level and could be considered as physically inactive with prolonged sitting time and lower adjusted skeletal muscle mass. Identifying factors that could adversely affect esports players future is important as much as instilling preventive measures. © 2021 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA.