Recent Study Reveals Effective Measures to Prevent Blood Clots in Gamers: Compression Sleeves and Walking Breaks
Background: Addressing DVT Risk Among Gamers through Scientific Research
In a groundbreaking study, researchers from New York Tech’s Center for Esports Medicine in collaboration with the global esports organization Fnatic investigated methods to prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) among gamers. The study, published in the American Journal of Physiology—Heart and Circulatory Physiology, analyzed the impact of compression sleeves and walking breaks on blood flow and DVT risk in this unique population.
Participants, Methods, and Measured Outcomes
The study involved 10 healthy, college-aged gamers with esports ranking and extensive playing hours. They underwent three different scenarios: uninterrupted gameplay, gameplay with a six-minute walking break, and gameplay while wearing a compression sleeve below the knee. Researchers employed Doppler ultrasound to measure blood flow parameters at various intervals, assessing each intervention’s efficacy in mitigating DVT risk.
Findings: Walking Breaks Outperform Compression Sleeves in Maintaining Optimal Blood Flow
The findings of the study indicated that uninterrupted gameplay resulted in a substantial decrease in blood flow and velocity, with a 46% drop in blood flow volume after two hours. Although compression sleeves reduced blood flow by 31%, the six-minute walking break proved to be the most effective intervention, exhibiting only a 20% decrease in blood flow at the two-hour mark.
Implications: Holistic Approach to Gamer Health and Future Research
Lead author Joanne Donoghue, Ph.D., underscored the broader implications of this study beyond the gaming community. She noted the potential benefits for office workers and other individuals engaged in prolonged sitting. Furthermore, the research has the potential to inform health guidelines for collegiate esports players, addressing the pressing need for regulations in this evolving field.
This study offers essential insights into preventing blood clots in gamers, with walking breaks emerging as a simple yet powerful intervention. With esports on the rise, such research is vital to safeguarding players’ health and well-being. By partnering with industry stakeholders like Fnatic, researchers aim to promote a comprehensive approach to gamer health and pave the way for future studies and regulations in this dynamic field.
Conclusion: A Step Towards a Healthier Gaming Community
This pioneering research marks an important stride in understanding and addressing the health challenges faced by gamers. By highlighting effective strategies like walking breaks, scientists and esports organizations can work together to create a healthier gaming environment for all players.
