Effect of short-term heat application on fine motor skills in an online competitive video gamer: a case report

Abstract

Competitive video gaming -or in a more professional and commercial definition; e-sports- is a well-funded and rapidly growing field. However, there is no detailed information about the performance of these gamers related to heating even though heat application is commonly used among players. A 21-year-old male gamer was included in this report to assess the effects of heat application on fine motor skills. Fine motor skills (reaction time, overall mouse control, repeated keypress) were assessed before and after heat application by using open-source software that is being currently used in other fields of health sciences. It was noted that the short-term heat application may have positive effects, especially in the mouse hand however the results of the keyboard hand were controversial.