Risk factors for wrist and hand function decline among esports players

Introduction Esports is growing rapidly in Indonesia, with players accounting for 43% of all esports players in Southeast Asia. As with other sports, esports players also have the potential for injury. The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors associated with decreased wrist and hand functional abilities in esports players. Subjects and Methods A total of 284 esports players in Indonesia were respondents in this study, with inclusion criteria: active status as an esports player, professionals who play an average of 42 hours per week, amateurs who play an average of 21 hours per week, and willing to be respondents. Data were collected through a questionnaire that included personal data and a Patient-Rated Wrist/Hand Evaluation. Results The results of correlation analysis for gender identity variables (<i>p</i> < 0.001) show a correlation of 0.321 with the decline in wrist and hand function among esports players. The results of regression analysis for variables aged 17–24 years (<i>p</i> < 0.001) showed a contribution of 1.8%, and gender identity (<i>p</i> < 0.001) showed a contribution of 18.5% to the decline in wrist and hand function among esports players. Conclusions This study found that the gender identity variable had a correlation of 0.321 and contributed 18.5% to the decline in wrist and hand function among esports players. Age 17–24 years also contributed 1.8%. However, age > 24 years, player category, playing time, and career span had no correlation or contribution to the decline in wrist and hand function among esports players.