Competitive Video Gaming Reduces Circulating Creatine Levels In Experienced Video Game Players

Previous studies have highlighted various biochemical changes associated with a single video gaming (VG) session. These involve elevated glucose metabolism and energy expenditure, alterations in cortisol and catecholamines, as well as in oxidant-antioxidant balance. Surprisingly, no studies have yet explored whether acute VG has impact on creatine metabolism, an essential pathway involved in replenishing immediate energy for cells and tissues taxed by rapid and intense energy fluctuations. PURPOSE: To observe whether a single prolonged session of competitive VG has impact on circulating biomarkers of creatine metabolism in serum using modified liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. METHODS: Twelve (n 12) healthy experienced VG players (age 25.6 ± 3.8 years, all male) signed an informed consent to volunteer in this quasi-experimental before-after pilot study. Each subject took part in a single six-hour VG session, playing competitive matches in a popular online multiplayer tactical first-person shooting game. RESULTS: Eleven (n 11) subjects completed the trial and were included in the analysis. A six-hour VG session resulted in a statistically significant drop in serum creatine levels (from 27.6 ± 7.5 μmol/L at baseline to 22.9 ± 8.3 μmol/L at follow-up; P = 0.029). The mean reduction in serum creatine was 4.70 μmol/L (95% confidence interval [CI], from - 2.3 to 11.7), with a moderate-to-large effect size (d = 0.59). Serum creatinine concentrations tended to drop after the gaming session from 88.1 ± 15.5 μmol/L to 78.2 ± 19.8 μmol/L (P = 0.077). CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that creatine homeostasis is sensitive to VG, perhaps owing to the more creatine from the circulation utilized as an energy source for active tissues, including the brain.