An osteopathic physician’s approach to the esports athlete

Abstract

Esports is gaining acceptance in the world of professional, collegiate, and high school athletics. However, there is a lack of information for osteopathic physicians about the health concerns and appropriate treatment of esports athletes. Because of the sedentary nature of the sport and accompanying poor posture, esports athletes are likely to have musculoskeletal injuries of the neck, back, and upper extremities. Additionally, these athletes may have metabolic disturbances resulting from light-emitting diode computer monitors as well as mental health concerns regarding gaming addiction and social behavior disorders. The authors explore the osteopathic physician’s role in promoting health and reducing injury in this new gaming phenomenon.