Spine Posture, Mobility, and Stability of Top Mobile Esports Athletes: A Case Series

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Professional mobile esports athletes may suffer from occupational health risks to their spine because of prolonged sitting with poor posture. The aim of this study is to examine whether esports athletes have poor spine posture, mobility, and stability. Our results showed that professional mobile esports athletes had significantly poorer spine posture, and weaker spine mobility and stability than non-athletes. They may be more susceptible than non-athletes to spine-related musculoskeletal problems, such as back pain or neck pain. Physical-training programs and other ergonomic considerations should be sought to mitigate the risk of musculoskeletal problems and potential injuries for the athletes. ABSTRACT: Professional esports athletes spend a long time in the same sitting posture during training and competition. Mobile esports may exacerbate potential postural problems because of the closer and unsupported arms and because athletes spend more time in a forward-/flexed-head posture. Prolonged sitting in these postures carries significant health risks and may lead to musculoskeletal problems and injuries. The objective of this retrospective study is to assess the posture, mobility, and stability of the spine for professional mobile esports athletes. We collected spine-assessment data from 48 athletes participating in a top-tier league on a real-time-strategy battle-arena online game. The spinal assessment was conducted using the SpinalMouse(®) under upright standing and trunk flexion in addition to the Matthiass test. Measurements were converted into Idiag Scores by the SpinalMouse(®) software. The Idiag Posture, Idiag Mobility, and Idiag Stability scores were 62.50 (IQR: 21), 63.50 (IQR: 19.5), and 54.50 (IQR: 14.5), respectively, and were significantly lower (p < 0.001) than the reference normative value (100). Age was found to have a weak positive correlation with the posture score (ρ = 0.29, p = 0.048). Although career duration appeared to lower the scores, the association was insignificant (p > 0.05). The scores also had no significant association with body height, body mass, body mass index, and esports team (p > 0.05). It was anticipated that mobile-based esports would attenuate the biomechanics of the spine and increase the likelihood of musculoskeletal problems, such as neck and back pain.