Prevalence of and factors associated with musculoskeletal disorders among Thai esports athletes.

Esports athletes often engage in prolonged gaming sessions that involve repetitive movements and sustained static postures, placing them at increased risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). Given the limited regional evidence, this study is among the first to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of WMSDs among Thai esports athletes. Participants aged 15-35 years were recruited through esports club pages and the Thailand Esports Federation, with eligibility criteria including training with a coach and gaming more than four hours per day. They completed a self-administered questionnaire covering general and risk factors, musculoskeletal pain, vision, and gaming stress levels. The prevalence of WMSDs among Thai esports athletes was 63.1%, with a higher rate among professionals (67.4%) compared to university-level players (61.3%). The most affected regions were the neck (40.7%) and lower back (36.2%). Significant factors associated with WMSDs included age over 21 years (OR = 1.75, p < 0.05), overweight BMI (OR = 1.16), smoking (OR = 1.54), and sleeping less than six hours per night (OR = 2.18). In addition, longer gaming experience exceeding five years (OR = 1.64), daily gameplay over five hours (OR = 1.74), and psychological stress during gaming (OR = 1.80) were identified as key risk factors. These findings highlight that WMSDs are highly prevalent among Thai esports athletes, particularly in the neck and lower back, and suggest that limiting daily playtime to under five hours, ensuring adequate rest, and incorporating pre- and postgaming relaxation routines may help reduce WMSD risk and promote musculoskeletal health.