Aerobic capacity, strength, and cognitive performance of e-sports athletes and their determinants

Abstract

Aim To characterize the physical and cognitive performance of professional e-sports athletes (E-SG) and compare them with healthy university students (CG). Methods Physical performance was assessed cross-sectionally by handgrip strength (HGS) and % predicted V̇O2 at peak and anaerobic threshold (V̇O2peak% and V̇O2AT%) of an incremental cardiopulmonary exercise test. Computer-based tests were used to evaluate memory and reaction time. Using a comprehensive health assessment, we investigated the determinants of physical and cognitive performance and how they related to ranking at the most recent championship. Results Sixty-four male participants (34 E-SG; 30 CG) were included. Age, body composition, and blood test results did not differ between the groups. E-SG demonstrated higher sedentary time (p < 0.001), reduced HGS (47.23 ± 8.69 kgf vs. 42.8 ± 8.88 kgf; p = 0.027), and worse V̇O2peak% compared to CG (106.7 ± 13.49 vs. 86.4 ± 12.05; p < 0.001) and V̇O2AT% (86.00 ± 13.35 vs. 68.5 ± 13.56; p < 0.001). Being an E-SG and having lower fat-free mass were independent predictors of lower V̇O2peak%, while sedentary time was inversely associated with V̇O2AT%. E-SG displayed faster working memory (736 ms vs. 893 ms; p = 0.016), which showed a small but positive association with championship rank (β = 0.076; p = 0.011). Training time was a borderline predictor of ranking. Conclusions Professional e-sports athletes presented reduced aerobic fitness, high sedentary behavior, and faster working memory compared to healthy university students, highlighting the complex interplay between professional needs and their potential health impacts.