Abstract des Autors

E-sports gamers play various computer or console games and take part in different competitions. There are still controversial opinions on e-sports being recognized as a real sport, and recently, it was declined as an IOC-sport. E-sports includes the electronic competitions in genres like Ego-Shooter, real-time strategy games and sport simulations. Gamers need different kinds of motor and mental skills to compete successfully. Due to long periods of playing and monotone sitting positions, gamers tend to suffer from overuse injuries of their upper extremities—especially hands and wrists—and back. Carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow and back pain are common and sometimes force players to take a time-out or even quit gaming. Prevention strategies, return-to-play protocols after injuries, proper nutrition, exercises and resting between long hours of practice need to be developed in this sport. Mental aspects are also important in e-sports, as well as pathological addiction.