Pain in Professional eSports Athletes: A Pioneering Analysis of Valorant and League of Legends in Brazil
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Abstract
In 2022, eSports reached a global audience of 532 million viewers, with Brazil among the leading markets. The growth of this industry has led to an increase in the number of eSports professionals (pro-players), who spend long hours in daily training, facing physical and cognitive challenges. Data were collected from 95 Brazilian professional League of Legends and Valorant players, highlighting the relationship between musculoskeletal pain and the specificities of each modality. The research identified differences in the frequency and location of pain between the MOBA and FPS categories, indicating the importance of considering the particularities of each game in managing players' pain. Keyboard positioning and mouse grip type also influenced pain levels, emphasizing the need for individual ergonomic adjustments. The study provides valuable insights for the prevention, treatment, and support of eSports athletes, aiming to ensure their well-being and success in the competitive world of electronic sports.
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