Dataset
Role of a 10-Week Exercise Intervention on Cerebral Hemoglobin Saturation, Cognitive Function, and Heart Rate Variability Within Elite Esports Players: A Pilot Study
Journal of Electronic Gaming and esports
2024
Appears in Recent Faculty of Health Publications
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Abstract
Introduction : Esports demand peak cognitive performance from esports athletes (e-athletes), yet their sedentary lifestyle raises concerns. This pilot study explores the effects of aerobic exercise on executive function, cerebral hemodynamics, and heart rate variability (HRV) during gameplay.
Methods : Six high-ranking male e-athletes (20.8 ± 2.1 years old), ranking in the top 10% of their game, were recruited. Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy measured cerebral hemodynamics, cognitive tests assessed executive function, and electrocardiography measured HRV. Individualised exercise intensities were set through graded exercise testing, followed by a 10-week treadmill-based cardiovascular training program.
Results : Postintervention, weight, and body mass index remained unchanged (p > .05), but the graded exercise test and heart rate deflection point significantly improved (p < .05). Executive function displayed faster reaction times in the Color Word Stroop Task, and notably more accurate responses in the Parametric Go/No-Go tasks (p < .05), with large effect sizes. Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy revealed decreased oxygenated hemoglobin levels during rest, with moderate to large effect sizes, while HRV variables showed significant increases with large effect sizes.
Conclusions : This pilot study introduces a 10-week exercise regimen for e-athletes, suggesting positive impacts on cerebral hemodynamics, executive functions, and HRV, warranting further research.
Details
- Title
- Role of a 10-Week Exercise Intervention on Cerebral Hemoglobin Saturation, Cognitive Function, and Heart Rate Variability Within Elite Esports Players: A Pilot Study
- Creators
- Dylan PoulusDaniel JohnsonVincent KellyRob RobergsCraig McNulty
- Publisher
- Journal of Electronic Gaming and esports
- Identifiers
- 991013240713602368
- Academic Unit
- Human Sciences; Faculty of Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Dataset