In an attempt to determine whether PC gaming may be considered as a sport, Dr Dominic Micklewright, from the University of Essex conducted a series of physical and psychological tests on professional PC gamers to compare their performance to professional athletes.

Professional computer gamers sometimes earn tens of thousands of pounds yearly, from prizes and sponsorship. But the studies show that these gamers may be prone to have very unhealthy lifestyle.

In terms of psychology, reaction time, motor skills and mental acuity, the computer sportsmen exhibit traits comparable to ‘real’ athletes. They also have increased levels of positive feelings and low levels of negative feelings such as depression and fatigue. However, since cyber gaming could require them to sit for hours in front of their computers, the sedentary lifestyle results to lung problems, issues with aerobic fitness, obesity and in some instances, an increased risk of heart disease.

A gamer in his twenties appeared slim, fit and healthy, but the tests say otherwise. The tests revealed that he had the lung function and aerobic fitness of a chain smoker in his sixties. The study emphasized that the lack of physical exertion in PC gaming destroys the balance between the function of the mind and that of the body.

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Tags: PC Gamers