This cross-sectional study investigates whether a simple Grip-Asymmetry Index (GAI) can predict self-reported wrist pain in professional e-sports athletes. Professional gamers (aged 18-30) who play at least 35 hours per week will be assessed using a Jamar dynamometer to measure maximal grip force in both hands. The study will compare GAI between two groups: those with wrist pain (≥3/10 on Visual Analog Scale during play) and those without pain. A GAI cutoff value for predicting wrist pain risk will be established through ROC analysis, with additional factors such as gaming hours, BMI, and sex incorporated into a multivariable logistic regression model.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
56
Professional e-sports athletes who report wrist pain rated at 3 or higher on a 10-point Visual Analog Scale during gaming activities. These participants play video games professionally for at least 35 hours per week, are between 18-30 years old, and have no history of neurologic or rheumatic disease.
Professional e-sports athletes who report minimal to no wrist pain (less than 3 on a 10-point Visual Analog Scale) during gaming activities. These participants play video games professionally for at least 35 hours per week, are between 18-30 years old, and have no history of neurologic or rheumatic disease.
Outpatient clinic of faculty of physical therapy, Ahram Canadian University
Al Ḩayy Ath Thāmin, Giza Governorate, Egypt
RECRUITINGGrip-Asymmetry Index (GAI)
The Grip-Asymmetry Index is calculated as (Dominant hand grip strength - Non-dominant hand grip strength) / Dominant hand grip strength × 100%. Grip strength is measured in kilograms using a calibrated Jamar hand-held dynamometer following standardized testing protocols. Higher GAI values indicate greater asymmetry between dominant and non-dominant hands.
Time frame: Measured once at study enrollment
Maximal grip force in dominant hand
Maximum grip strength measured in kilograms using a calibrated Jamar hand-held dynamometer following standardized testing protocols
Time frame: Measured once at study enrollment
Maximal grip force in non-dominant hand
Maximum grip strength measured in kilograms using a calibrated Jamar hand-held dynamometer following standardized testing protocols
Time frame: Measured once at study enrollment
Wrist pain intensity during gaming
Self-reported wrist pain measured using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain imaginable) during typical gaming sessions
Time frame: Assessed at study enrollment, reflecting current pain experience during gaming activities
Weekly gaming hours
Self-reported average number of hours spent gaming per week
Time frame: Assessed at study enrollment, reflecting average from the past month
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