Effects of a Physical Training Program on Cognitive and Physical Performance and Health-Related Variables in Professional esports Players: A Pilot Study

Abstract

The present study focused on the effects of a physical training program on physical- and psychological-related variables in professional esports players. Five professional League of Legends (LOL) players belonging to the highest national category participated in this study. Data were obtained before and after a 5 h virtual training session (acute), as well as before and after an 8-week intervention period, focused on decreasing the impact of fatigue on players’ health and performance. The results showed that a complete virtual training session influences their performance, decreasing jump height and joint mobility (p < 0.01), as well as increasing perceived physical and cognitive exertion by 76.9% (p < 0.01) and 166.67% on the “Rating of Fatigue” scale (p = 0.002). Moreover, the intervention was able to reduce the impact of fatigue (30.8% and 43.3% reduction in cognitive and overall fatigue, respectively, p < 0.05), improving, at the same time, the amount of muscle mass by 2%, jumping ability by 9.8% to 21%, and strength levels in various exercises by 63% to 173% (p < 0.01). The implementation of a physical training program is capable of reducing the players’ fatigue perception, improving their physical conditioning and health status, and decreasing the injury risk.