Is there a Gamer in the Family?

Do you have a son or daughter who spends hours online and who is aiming to become a professional esport athlete. An article in a recent physiotherapy “inmotion” magazine provided us with some insight into the new world of Gaming and how we, as physios, can help.

Electronic sports (esports) have grown into a multi-billion-dollar industry, generating upwards of $1billion in revenue and 450 million views in 2019 alone. Total tournament earnings by professional competitors that same year was a quarter of a billion dollars.  Collegiate institutions now offer varsity esports programs and esports scholarships, while the various branches of the US military have established competitive esports teams of their own.  The IOC has begun to discuss the inclusion of sports simulation esports games in future Olympic events. Even in Australia many universities have jumped on the esport bandwagon including Bond University who opened their hub in 2019 – Bond University esport hub

Several well-known, relatively young (18-25 year old) players have had significant time off or even retired due to injury.

As most musculoskeletal conditions in this population are related to overload, load management is key. Like traditional sports, it is not how much one trains in one sitting, but duration and frequency over time.

We are here to provide information and tools to allow ongoing enjoyment of the competition – or just the ‘for fun’ amateur.  Here are our top exercises to do to ensure you can keep going with your esport dreams.

Warrior 1 Pose 

1. Begin by stepping your right foot pointing forwards and have your left foot turned in about 45 degrees.
2. Step your right foot forwards so you are in a lunge position with your right knee above your ankle.
3. Keep your left leg pinky toe anchored on the floor and try to keep your pelvis pointing forwards as much as possible.
4. Reach your arms above your head, extending through your upper back. Try to shine your breastbone to the sky whilst your shoulders slide down your back.
5. Allow your eye gaze to follow your hands overhead.
6. Hold the pose for 5 breaths and then repeat on the left side.

Side Bend Stretch

1. Sit in a sturdy chair with your feet flat on the floor.
2. Clasp your hands, raise your arms overhead and side bend your upper body to the left. Keep your buttocks anchored on the chair.
3. Imagine you are sandwiched between 2 planes of glass to help you keep your body facing forwards.
4. Try to feel the stretch down the side of your body (from your arm to your pelvis).
5. Hold the stretch for 20 to 30 seconds,
6. Return to start position. Repeat the stretch 2 to 4 times on both sides.

Wrist Extensor Stretch

1. Extend your arm in front of you with your palm down, making a fist.
2. Use your other hand to hold your fist to bend your wrist, pointing your fist toward the floor, and slightly rotate it towards the pinky side.
3. You should feel a gentle to moderate stretch in your forearm.
4. Hold for 20 to 30 seconds. Repeat 2 to 4 times.

Wrist Flexor Stretch

1. Straighten your arm in front of you with your palm up.
2. Use your opposite hand to gently pull your fingers towards the floor until you feel a mild to moderate stretch in your forearm.
3. Hold for at least 20 to 30 seconds. Repeat 2 to 4 times.